BASS MUSEUM OF ART

Bass Museum of Art
2121 Park Ave., Miami Beach
(305) 673-7530

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am. to 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm to 9 pm
Second & fourth Wednesday of month: 1 pm to 9 pm

Admission/fees:
Adult: $5
Student:$3
Senior: $3
Free for children under 6. Special exhibits may have additional charges.

The Bass Museum of Art is Closed for renovations until late this year. 

Located in a beautiful coral rock Art Deco building, the Bass Museum of Art features one of the most comprehensive collections of Old Master paintings, sculpture, textiles, and period furniture in South Florida.  One of Miami's most unpredictable and provocative art venues, its revolving shows have displayed the works of internationally acclaimed pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, Brazilian sculptors, Panamanian painters, and a cutting-edge exhibit of room-size installations done entirely in beads.

The museum's collection of 2000 pieces, spanning the 14th to the 21st centuries, includes a superb collection of rich tapestries and ecclesiastical vestments and artifacts, as well as works by modern masters such as Toulouse-Lautrec. Only a small portion of the permanent collection is on view at any given time in the three dedicated exhibition galleries.

Recently, the museum facility tripled its exhibition space from 11,000 square feet to 33,000 square feet through a huge renovation and expansion project directed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki (who completed major projects for the Guggenheim Museum, Brooklyn Museum, and many others). A second phase will add 25,000 more feet. 

Established in 1963 when the City of Miami Beach accepted the gift of the art collection of John and Johanna Bass, the museum greatly enhances the cultural image of Miami Beach. Both John and Joanna were creative individuals who presided over cultural events in the community before their
deaths in the 1970s.  The museum building, occupying the former site of the city's public library and art center designed in the 1930s, is now the centerpiece of the city's historic district. It was placed on the National Register in 1978.  

Easy to get to, the Bass Museum of Art is one block from the ocean and two blocks from the Miami Beach Convention Center. There is plenty of metered parking on adjacent streets (a quarter for 30 minutes last time we checked).