13 Places to Learn Something New in Miami

Decorated with gushing fountains, and the waxy petals of orchids, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is Miami’s answer to the Palace of Versailles. Beautifully landscaped gardens, with a European flavour to them, surround this mansion, which was donated to the people of Miami by James Deering’s family. Inside is just as colourful with its collection of ornate Italian furniture, but you’ll want to visit during an evening concert to experience the true magic of this museum. Sit back, as a singer’s voice echoes harmoniously around the softly-lit, flower-tangled courtyard.

Surrounded by waving palm trees, and offering views of the rippling blue water outside, this modern Herzog and de Meuron designed building is quintessential Miami. The airy building houses boundary-smashing contemporary art, and the spacious design gives every piece room to breathe. Let the museum’s bizarre sculptures and abstract video art assault your senses, before enjoying a relaxing cocktail or meal in the chilled bar and restaurant, which overlooks the harbour outside.

Engage in a passionate debate over the value of graffiti as art at this modern, outdoor exhibit. Blocks of colour, provocative political images, and satirical jabs at everything from the government to the media have been carefully daubed onto these walls, transforming rundown relics into ever-changing canvases. Wander between the illuminated exhibits, on what the organisers call a "street art safari", to appreciate the creativity and beauty of these artworks in a whole new light.

You’ll wonder whether you’ve come to the wrong place as you arrive outside this theatre’s rather tired outer facade. Take your seat, however, and your doubts will quickly evaporate, as the stunning interior reveals itself, and you sit below a roof that glitters with stars. Moorish arches and sculpted dragon heads decorate the balconies of this stunning theatre, while fantastic acoustics add to the fully immerse experience.

You'll bounce with excitement as you arrive at the American Airlines Arena, ready to watch the Miami Heat put on a scorching display on the basketball court. The atmosphere crackles when almost 20,000 people are packed into its steep terraces, and you’ll get the chance to see some of the NBA’s top stars lighting up the court, and rattling in unlikely 3-pointers. The arena also draws some of the world’s top singers and performers, who never fail to get the crowd buzzing.

Founded by a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, the company has strong roots in classic as well as modern productions that fuse dance with visual art. The company offers a repertoire that includes the classic choreography of George Balanchine, as well as more modern pieces by Twyla Tharp and Justin Peck.

A contemporary dance company, Momentum produces works created mainly by Florida choreographers and shown in locations around the Southeast. The company also produces the annual multi-genre Miami Dance Festival.

Miami's most significant cultural venue and a leader in promoting local artists, the Arsht Center hosts one of the largest jazz series in South Florida and one of the biggest flamenco festivals on the East Coast.

Located in the historic Biltmore Hotel, GableStage is renowned for producing innovative plays that address current issues and ideas.

The Wolfsonian collections, which hail largely from North America and Europe, tackle the question of the effect design has on our everyday lives. Many works in this museum deal with themes like propaganda, colonialism, and transportation.

This museum houses more than 4,000 pieces spanning multiple centuries and cultures. Featuring artists like Helmut Newton and Picasso, the works centre on sexual themes inspired by the Bible, surrealism, and pinup art.

The Frank Gehry-designed New World Center is home to the New World Symphony. You can see a weekend show in the intimate performance hall or sit outside and catch it for free as it’s projected on a 7,000-square-foot outer wall.

This cosy art deco venue was originally used as a movie theatre and now acts as the headquarters for the Miami Lyric Opera, as well as a venue for touring vocal and dance companies.