8 Best Things to Do in Miami Design District
What is Miami Design District Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Miami Design District are a vibrant fusion of world-class art, luxury fashion, and innovative design. Tucked just north of Midtown, this walkable neighborhood is both a cultural destination and a picture-perfect landmark that blends cutting-edge creativity with style.
Visit an art gallery for an internationally renowned exhibit, stop by a bookstore to soak in the artistic vibe of the local community, or snap a photo of stunning street art. Whichever type of cultural discovery you’re looking for, this lively hub will welcome you with a grand treat.
What are the best things to do in Miami Design District?
1. Institute of Contemporary Art
A cultural staple with stellar exhibits focused on experimental work
Good for: Budget, Couples
The Institute of Contemporary Art, also known as ICA Miami, showcases a mix of cutting-edge and experimental art. It boasts a permanent collection featuring key figures like Louise Bourgeois, Nancy and Edward Kienholz, Chris Ofili, and James Turrell, as well as seasonal exhibitions that blend historical and contemporary art with works of Picasso, Lichtenstein, and Schneemann.
Debuted in 2017, ICA separated from the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami and moved into its current building, known for its bold metallic facade that earned it the nickname of the “magic box.” Combined with a large sculpture garden, the new facility makes the museum a great destination for both an educational study and a cultural experience.
Location: 61 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 305-901-5272
Institute of Contemporary Art
2. Museum Garage
A parking garage turned into a landmark of creative art and eclectic design
Good for: Photo, Unusual
The Museum Garage is a 7‑story parking garage that was turned into an art statement. Exemplifying bold “parkitecture,” it’s inspired by the surrealist game Exquisite Corpse and designed by 5 teams working independently, each focused on a designated section of the building without communicating with the others, resulting in a stunning collage of 5 dramatically different facades.
Each of the surfaces of the garage is inspired by individual themes: ant colonies, car culture, anime and video-game motifs, traffic congestion, and road barricades. The stunning designs and daring colors earned the garage its place as a visual landmark in the Design District, as well as multiple awards, including an International Architecture Award.
Location: 90 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 305-722-7100
Museum Garage
3. Mia Market Food Hall
Chef-curated dishes that combine variety and innovation in one spot
Good for: Food, Families
MIA Market Food Hall is a culinary hub nestled in the heart of Miami’s Design District. It houses around a dozen chef-led stalls, covering a diverse mix of cuisines such as sushi, tacos, ceviche, handmade pasta, Peruvian specialties, healthy juice, and specialty coffee. Many vendors have gone on to open their own restaurants after testing concepts here, a testament to the quality and creativity of what the market has to offer.
The space is filled with a bright and airy aesthetic, featuring a large open room and good natural light, giving it a laid-back atmosphere. It is frequented by locals and travelers alike, with even an occasional sighting of celebrity appearances.
Location: 140 NE 39th St #241, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 305-456-3070
Mia Market Food Hall
4. Haitian Heritage Museum
Haitian art and history through exhibits and cultural events
Good for: History, Couples
The Haitian Heritage Museum was founded in 2004 to commemorate Haiti’s bicentennial. Dedicated to Haitian art, history, and culture, it features works of Haitian and Haitian-American artists through exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs.
Past shows at the museum include pioneering exhibits of Haiti’s national museum (MUPANAH) collections, as well as oil paintings from artists such as Dubinsson, Fritzner, and Dambreville. For the most authentic cultural experience, visit during the Haitian Heritage Month, when you’ll find special programs that feature live music and artist talks. At the end of the gallery tour, head to Little Haiti just south of the Design District for a proper conclusion to the cultural immersion.
Location: 4141 NE 2nd Ave #105C, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Saturday–Monday)
Phone: +1 305-371-5988
Haitian Heritage Museum
5. David Castillo Gallery
Sharp themes and diverse voices through experimental art forms
Good for: Budget, Couples
The David Castillo Gallery is an identity-driven art gallery that isn’t afraid to break the mold. Emphasizing emotional depth and underrepresented voices, it spotlights artists of color and LGBTQ+ creators, featuring exhibitions that ask cultural questions and address political issues. The sharp thematic focus is combined with new media forms, including film and installation, bringing a fresh experience that will leave you thinking long after the visit.
Known for its partnerships with emerging artists that have gone on to achieve international fame, the gallery is a great place to spot creative works that have yet to become a global phenomenon. Past works exhibited here have been acquired by major institutions including MoMA, Guggenheim, Reina Sofía, and the Smithsonian.
Location: 25 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +1 305-573-8110
David Castillo Gallery
6. Fly’s Eye Dome
A futurist architectural installation giving off a surreal vibe
Good for: Budget, Photo
The Fly’s Eye Dome is a striking geodesic structure that has become a landmark of Miami’s Design District. A fiberglass shell with iconic round windows resembling a fly’s compound eye, it is surrounded by palm trees on the outside and accessible by a spiral marble staircase within, making it a surreal sight to behold that contrasts sharply with the city scene around.
The structure was designed by visionary architect Buckminster Fuller, who passed away before seeing the final construction of his creation. If you want to check out an original version of the Fly’s Eye Dome, you can find one of the prototypes built by Fuller himself, now displayed at the Pérez Art Museum Miami.
Location: 140 NE 39th St #001, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Phone: +1 305-722-7100
Fly's Eye Dome
7. Dale Zine
An artsy bookstore that’s both a gallery and a chic shop
Good for: Shoppers, Couples
Dale Zine is a community-oriented art bookshop and gallery. Its airy interior gives off a relaxed lounge feel, and its curated collection welcomes you with a unique selection of magazines, art books, and exhibition catalogs, alongside experimental and DIY prints. Home items and trinkets can also be found here, such as stickers, candles, statement apparel, and jigsaw puzzles.
A vibrant cultural hub that celebrates multimedia artists and designers, the shop also features a dedicated gallery area showcasing rotating exhibitions by both local and invited creators. For a one-of-a-kind experience, join their book club meetings that blend reading with hands-on workshops, or visit their mobile bookstore that spreads the artistic joy around the city in a converted mini truck.
Location: 50 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Dale Zine
8. Nader Sculpture Park
A sculpture walk lined with masterpieces from around the world
Good for: Budget, Photo
Nader Sculpture Park is a free, open-air sculpture garden located in the Gary Nader Art Centre. It features over 50 monumental works by internationally renowned artists, including Fernando Botero, Jeff Koons, Olafur Eliasson, Yayoi Kusama, and many more. The masterfully designed park layout and sculptural seating also make it a popular cultural space for live concerts, fashion shows, and outdoor cultural programs.
Since the park’s launch in 2024 during Art Basel Week, it has quickly established itself as a cultural highlight of the city. One of the most notable pieces that will surely draw your attention is Botero’s Leda and the Swan, which features his iconic design of voluminous figures in a reinterpretation of the classical myth.
Location: 4201 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, USA
Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm, Thursday–Saturday from noon to 8 pm
Phone: +1 305-576-0256
Nader Sculpture Park
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