During the day, Miami’s museums are mild-mannered treasure troves of art, photography and sculptures. But after hours, the city’s cultural institutions come alive with evenings full of music, cocktails and dancing. (And, yes, even some art.) Here is where to head for a cultured night out.
PAMM Third Thursdays: Poplife Social
Pérez Art Museum Miami is home to 200,000 square feet of galleries and idyllic public spaces perfect for whiling away the day. Things change on the third Thursday of the month, when it teams up with event promoter Poplife to host a roster of indie acts. The exhibits stay open late (including Julio Le Parc’s showstopping “Form into Action”), but this is also your shot to soak up live entertainment and dance on the terrace. Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18 6–10pm; with $16 admission free.
Coral Gables Museum’s Gallery Night Live!
Housed in the City Beautiful’s old fire station, the Coral Gables Museum pays homage to the city’s past with guided architecture tours and photography displays. On the first Friday of the month, the Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables Gallery Night Live! takes over the plaza for live music and artist meet and greets. Mar 3, Apr 2, May 5 6–10pm; free.
Jazz at MOCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami offers something for everyone on the last Friday of the month. Free admission (7 to 10pm) and more than 600 pieces by artists from around the world—including Jean Claude Legagneur’s exhibit “Faces of Freedom”—draw the crowds inside. Outside, live music from the likes of Suénalo and fills the evening air, as listeners picnic underneath the stars on the museum’s rear lawn. Mar 31, Apr 27 at 8pm; free.
Lowe After Hours
The 65-year-old museum’s 17,500-object collection makes for a solid day trip. For a worthy evening sojourn, head to its monthly Lowe After Dark party. The museum’s current pop-up exhibition, “The ID Project,” invites visitors to consider notions of identity through activities (a feminist pizza party is planned for April) while enjoying free rum cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Mar 2, Apr 6 7–9pm; with $12.50 admission free.
Wolfsonian-FIU Free Fridays
Since 1995, the Wolfsonian has been recognized for its collection of 180,000 pieces; objects like furniture and rare books take center stage on Fridays, when the museum opens its doors for free. Guided tours start at 6pm and are followed by classes (think meditation and sketching), as well as a happy hour and live music in the in the café on the third Friday of the month. Fri 6–9pm; free.
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