The Wolfsonian-Florida International University image

The Wolfsonian-Florida International University

Tourist attraction Museum Arts organization Modern art museum

Eclectic industrial design collection in a 1927 building, plus lectures, films & arts events. People often mention museum, shop, exhibits, collection, floor, design, small, gift, deco, items,


Address

1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website

wolfsonian.org

Contact

(305) 531-1001

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (647 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (38) shop (18) exhibits (14) collection (12) floor (11) design (11) small (10) gift (9) deco (9) items (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 jim m. 1 year ago on Google • 34 reviews
    Well if you want a real delight-visit the coffee shop/ gift shop. At the entrance, it has the art deco toll booth outside. It’s one of the most unique experiences on south beach. The items are nowhere else but prices are reasonable. I will shop here again.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 J C. 3 months ago on Google • 28 reviews New
    A nice collection of the golden era when even elevator doors and aircon vents were athetically designed. But the $12 entrance fee for non-residents seems too much for the collection of items they have. It ain't a Louvre. Gift shop is free to enter and is interesting. Also, a phone was repeateldy ringing on the upper floors which was disturbing. Finally I picked it up and someone on the other side responded tursely that I should not pick up the phone. Then you should not have a phone ringing on a museum floor five times with no one to pick up. That means it is an emergency.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D R. 1 year ago on Google
    You won't even notice that there's a museum on Washington &10st. Small and free ))
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G. 1 year ago on Google • 643 reviews
    This museum is a treasure of the Miami Beach art deco style. It also showcases pertinent art exhibits on all aspects of South Florida's history and artifacts. The gift shop has a very unique and wonderful selection of items. I especially love to shop here during the holiday season.

  • 4/5 Christian O. 7 months ago on Google • 122 reviews
    This is a great museum, in a beautiful building with well arranged internal spaces, especially the ground floor that hosts a former theater façade turned into a fountain. The museum shop and café, although small, is also very nice. Admission is just $5 per adult. However, I was slightly disappointed in my visit at how short the exhibitions were. I came back to this place after 13 years, and I was sad I couldn't see many of the collections of propaganda posters I remember.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alejandra M. 4 years ago on Google
    This is an awesome museum. Such a cool place. I went on the Free Guided Tour they have on Fridays; they also have free admission on Fridays as well from 6-9 pm. The tours are run by different staff at the museum. So every Friday it's someone different. Everyone is very nice and very knowledgeable. I love it! In addition, the tour only covered the 5th floor, but there are 7 floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions. I am definitely coming back again to explore the other floors. Below are 2 pictures of 2 items displayed on the 1st floor (lobby).
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carrie C. 2 years ago on Google
    Pure bliss for an antiquarian seeking refuge from the Miami heat to relish in the finery, findings and curiosities collected by Micky Wolfson. Although only the first floor of the museum is currently open, it's enough to satiate your senses and set your expectations for this cultural blossom to fully bloom again in November.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fraser C. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a must if you’re interested in Art Deco or 20th Century Design. The majority of the display items are objects; household appliances, furniture and items of commercial usage. There are a few paintings & posters from the Art Deco era, and various cool items from world fairs. Fair value at $12, my only complaint is that the actual display space is quite small for such a large building just 2 floors, 2 further floors are offices and one floor is a library. Would have loved to have seen more of the collection! On a positive note there is however no restriction on taking photos.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tilman B. 2 years ago on Google
    Although the museum is tiny, I really liked it there, you have to say right away, it didn't cost any admission either. the exhibits are very interesting. and also I liked the museum shop very much.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 foodiedealma 1 year ago on Google • 501 reviews
    The building itself is really nice art deco style, the collection of objects they have is really unique and so they have rotating exhibits. Check their website to see current exhibits and if they interest you then go. We had a lovely time walking around and seeing all the pieces.

  • 5/5 Nelson C. 3 months ago on Google • 156 reviews New
    "Discover the beauty and wonder of the Welfosonian Museum in Miami. Let their exhibitions inspire you and be captivated by their stunning permanent collections. Rainy days just got a whole lot brighter." #WelfosonianMuseum #Miami #InspiringArt #RainyDayActivity
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jakub K. 4 years ago on Google
    A lovely place of art and contemplation. The museum of art deco is a breathtaking place, which gives you a perfect mixture of art, things of daily use back in the days, and actual historical information. I highly recommend this place to all art lovers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 anwar h. 4 years ago on Google
    This museum focuses on themes from the early 1900s - 1970s in the US industrial era to modern art design of everyday household items to art.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sarah B. 1 month ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Okay this place has incredible art - but we were treated so poorly! There was no one downstairs when we walked in, not a person in sight, so we strolled on in without a thought. We didn’t see any sign about tickets or anything, and it’s a university museum so we figured it was “open doors” or something. We were very wrong… About 45 minutes in, a security guard asked us where our stickers were. We apologized and explained, confused, that we didn’t see anywhere to buy tickets but that we’d buy them immediately. He was quite hostile toward us, accused us of being freeloaders, aggressively escorted us out, and even made us CLOSE OUR EYES while he brought us out so we couldn’t look at any more art! I would NEVER betray the humanities by intentionally not paying, and feel bad for the misunderstanding, but we were treated like criminals! They have a very poor system and hostile staff, therefore, unfortunately, will not be returning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lauren f. 1 year ago on Google
    The quality of the maps as propaganda exhibit was exquisite. World class. Very historically and artistically informative and well curated. Comprehensive. The art deco details on site were beautiful. Fun bookstore. Just need a wider wheel chair on site. Visit this museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eetu P. 1 year ago on Google
    Best museum I found in Miami. The small collection of art deco era objects on display was mindblowing, I only wish the display was bigger! Even the elevator was the most luxurious one I have ever seen in my life. The gift shop was as well curated as the rest of museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucia P. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been wanting to check out the FIU Wolfsonian museum for quite sometime but they were remodeling it. I did however get to check out their bookstore/gift shop and I love it. Such fun and quirky things for sale. Earrings, books, cards and so much more. Yesterday, I came by and the museum was open on two floors so I was able to check it out beyond the lobby and bookstore. The museum is small but mighty and was beautifully remodeled. The currently exhibitions were cool and different from the usual material at museums. I loved their first floor and Art Deco influence throughout the museum and even within the elevator. It was free yesterday and I know prices vary with Florida residents, students etc. A great view throughout the 6& 7th floors. Definitely want to come back again soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nausheen K. 1 month ago on Google • 106 reviews New
    Beautiful and stunning place to be, especially with Henry Walker's exhibit!

  • 4/5 Mikell J. 1 month ago on Google • 75 reviews New
    Really cool art but not as much as we expected. The gift shop staff was super friendly and helpful!

  • 3/5 Rebecca Z. 2 months ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    It was small, but had some neat artwork. Help was lackadaisical. One floor we entered was dark as no lights had been turned on.

  • 5/5 Arturs A. 1 month ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    Amazing collection and wonderful building! Friday evening was free 🤪

  • 5/5 Huntsville J. 8 months ago on Google
    Pretty cool, amazing building. Only $5. To visit the 2 floors that were open. They are redoing the main exhibition hall. The gift shop was really cool. (Video)

  • 5/5 M O. 8 months ago on Google
    As an avid art and history enthusiast, my recent visit to The Wolfsonian—Florida International Museum left me utterly captivated and deeply enriched. Nestled in the heart of Miami Beach, this hidden gem offers an extraordinary blend of art, design, and historical collections that transport visitors on a thought-provoking journey through the 19th and 20th centuries. Upon entering the museum, I was immediately struck by its unique architecture. The elegant façade seamlessly combines historic and modern elements, setting the stage for what awaits inside. The welcoming staff’s passion for the museum’s exhibits was evident from the outset, adding to the overall warm and engaging atmosphere. The museum's vast collection covers an array of disciplines, from graphic design and industrial art to decorative arts and propaganda. It’s thoughtfully curated and chronologically organized, making it easy for visitors to follow the evolution of design and culture over time. Each exhibit offers a glimpse into the social, political, and technological forces that shaped the era, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the intricate interplay between design and society. What particularly struck me was the museum’s commitment to contextualizing historical events and design trends. Not only did I get to admire stunning art pieces, but I also gained valuable insights into the cultural significance and historical context of each exhibit. This educational aspect added depth and meaning to the entire experience. One of the most remarkable sections of the museum was the propaganda exhibit, exploring the persuasive power of visual communication during wartime and political movements. The curation of propaganda posters, films, and ephemera was both intriguing and unsettling, highlighting the impact of design on shaping public opinion. The museum's attention to interactive experiences was another highlight of my visit. Through multimedia displays, visitors have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific topics, and the ability to engage with the exhibits on a more personal level was truly enlightening. I must commend The Wolfsonian for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its collections. The museum acknowledges the contributions of marginalized groups and underrepresented artists, ensuring a comprehensive representation of history and design that fosters a more inclusive narrative. The Wolfsonian—Florida International Museum is not just a place to admire beautiful art and design; it’s a journey through time, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the impact of art on society and the world. Whether you are an art connoisseur, a history buff, or simply someone seeking a thought-provoking cultural experience, this museum is an absolute must-visit. In conclusion, The Wolfsonian—Florida International Museum exceeded my expectations on all fronts. From its exceptional collection to its informative exhibits and welcoming ambiance, it’s a true treasure that deserves widespread recognition. I left the museum feeling inspired, enlightened, and with a renewed appreciation for the power of art and design in shaping our shared history.

  • 5/5 Sam C. 5 months ago on Google
    We really enjoy our afternoon at the museum...we LOVE it!! Today we saw YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE and they totally ROCK!!!! Thanks Wolfsonian!!

  • 5/5 Sandra M. 5 months ago on Google
    Only one floor is open right now, but it's definitely worth a visit if you're into art. The art is focused on the industrial period and is kinda bleek, but I loved it. Veterans get in free.

  • 4/5 Stanley F. 10 months ago on Google
    Great little museum if you are interested in history of propaganda posters. Very impressive collection.

  • 5/5 Emily B. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a small but very well-done museum with a rotating series of exhibitions based on the vast collection of the namesake. We saw three exhibits, one on each of the three museum floors, and they were well organized and wonderfully annotated to create an informative and interesting experience.

  • 5/5 Thomas de M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very few exhibits but very wel curated. Impressive amount of documents and items to support the exhibits. Be sure to stop by the museum if you have a couple of hours to spend in the district.

  • 5/5 Kinjal Patel (. 1 year ago on Google
    small collection of art work across 3 levels - well curated exhibits (that of Roberto Lugo was on when I visited in February, some of his most provocative and thought provoking pieces including teapot with gun handle were there). free pottery class with the current artist in-residence were made available to the public when I visited! a special start to my week long visit in south beach :)

  • 5/5 Mr. T. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my fav museums! Very eccentric- which makes it very fun. It is the opposite of the “run of the mill” place you can visit anywhere in the world. I love the curational quality of the place. You will enjoy it and see things you have never seen before- that is a promise.

  • 5/5 Peter S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building, both inside and out. Saw a superb special exhibition celebrating aerial transportation. Museum shop has some lovely things to buy.

  • 5/5 Wiktoria R. 1 year ago on Google
    I was lucky to join on the evening of live dance performances but would enjoy regardless. However expositions change so can't speak for future stuff. Lovely shop

  • 5/5 María Fernanda S. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a beautiful museum with amazing art deco architecture. It's thoughtfully curated and there's a cafe in the gift shop.

  • 5/5 Natasha T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum, small but free so it's definitely worth the visit if you like art deco

  • 5/5 Zaida T. 2 years ago on Google
    I watched 3 different shows in a day, one of them good, two of them amazing. Free for residents like me, friendly staff, cozy gift shop with delicious cold bear. I never get tired to go to Wolfsonian

  • 5/5 Barbara L. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic design museum with an extraordinary collection. The two current exhibitions are top notch and worth a visit. I spent two hours looking and reading the informative labels.

  • 5/5 Alexandra P. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it! If you’re in Miami and want to go off the beach/touristy trail, this is definitely your place.

  • 5/5 lolive l. 2 years ago on Google
    Admission was complimentary with our hotel. The museum is small, but plenty of pretty and instructive pieces.We loved the Aerial exhibition. The museum shop was nice too and the staff there recommended a nice walk in Miami Beach to see historic buildings.

  • 3/5 Glenda H. 2 years ago on Google
    We came here on a Saturday afternoon and got in without too long of a line and without tickets. I think the line starts to die down later in the afternoon/evening. You can get through all of the exhibits in one go. I loved all of the innovative, creative, beautiful artwork.

  • 4/5 Jahan R. 2 years ago on Google
    The flight perspective exhibition is great and worth a look. Really like the 30s artwork. The top floor and first floor exhibitions not so much and I'd skip. A very nice respite from the south beach thumping tunes bar thing.

  • 5/5 Norm G. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous and eclectic museum dedicated to Art Deco in all its forms from furniture to art to appliances to textiles. Not to be missed if your are an art deco fan. Don’t miss the gift shop.

  • 4/5 Allyson W. 2 years ago on Google
    Not worth a separate trip right now (June 2021) even though it's free, which is nice...there are 4 exhibits right now, all of which are super small. (I believe they are preparing for more substantial exhibits soon.) However, if you're already in the area, definitely worth stopping in.


Call (305) 531-1001 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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