The guide to Miami Art Week 2024

Quick insights

• Miami Art Week, being held December 3-8, 2024, is a vibrant celebration of art and culture.
• The week features numerous satellite fairs, pop-up exhibitions, parties and cultural events attracting artists, collectors and art enthusiasts from around the world.
• Art Basel Miami Beach is a highlight of the week with leading galleries and artists showcasing a wide array of artworks.
• SCOPE Art Show and Untitled Art are two of the other 20+ fairs showcasing international contemporary artists, along with 1,000+ galleries and artists.

Below, we share our guide to making the most of Miami Art Week 2024.

Preparing for Miami Art Week

With a little preparation, you can make the most of this weeklong event and see what’s new in the world of contemporary art. As you plan your itinerary for the week, check the Miami Art Week event schedule to view all major art events.

When to attend

To make the most of Miami Art Week, you may want to consider arriving before the weekend. While most fairs open December 4-5, those with VIP tickets will get an opportunity to attend before the general public. New works may also rotate into the fair booths mid-week, so it may be worth it to visit a fair more than once.

Most activities and events ramp up by Thursday including local museum events, pop-ups, parties and more.

What to bring

Once you’ve figured out your itinerary, it may be helpful to think about any essential items you’ll need to bring with you. Expect long days with lots of walking, so you may want to bring:

• Phone charger
• Snacks and water
• Comfortable shoes

While Miami is known for sunshine, it may get colder than you expect during this December event. You may be more comfortable if you dress in layers. Of course, Miami Art Week tends to draw an artistic and fashionable crowd, so you may opt to balance style with practicality.

How to navigate Miami Art Week

Navigating Miami Art Week can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some tips that might help you make the most of your week:

• Plan Ahead: There are hundreds of exhibitors, booths and events across Miami Art Week and Miami’s art scene is spread out. You may enjoy wandering through the booths as you discover emerging and established artists, but if you want to be more methodical, the organizers have you covered. Use apps and websites like MiamiArtWeek.org to prioritize and map out the things you want to attend.
• Stay Flexible: While it’s good to have a plan, be open to impromptu events and experiences!
• Consider Your Transportation Options: Consider using Miami’s public transportation options like Metrobus or rideshare apps to avoid the stress of parking. If you must drive, research parking options in advance.

Cost to attend Miami Art Week

The cost of daily general admission to fairs range from $50 - $100, with VIP and special access costing more.

Dining out in Miami can range from casual meals at $10-20 to upscale dining experiences costing $100+ per person. Travel costs can vary based on your location and how far in advance you book. Additionally, some travel rewards credit cards may help you save some money on hotels.

Some top attractions at Miami Art Week

No matter which events you attend, you’ll likely encounter something that moves you. With so much to see in a limited amount of time, we’ve gathered some exciting additional destinations you may want to check out:

• Miami Design District: The Design District is known for being a creative neighborhood with public artworks and modern architecture, along with luxury shops, boutiques and restaurants.
• Wynwood: Known for its large scale murals, graffiti walls, factories and funky boutiques, Wynwood attracts a hip young crowd.
• Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): A modern and contemporary art museum in Downtown Miami dedicated to exhibiting international art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
• The Bass Museum: Within a 1930s Art Deco building, The Bass Museum is a contemporary art museum featuring diverse art, sculpture garden and films and lectures.

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of this busy week? Consider taking in the natural beauty of South Florida by visiting nearby Everglades National Park or kayaking on Biscayne Bay.

What to eat and drink at Miami Art Week

After you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the latest trends in the art world, you might be wondering where to eat during Miami Art Week. Miami is known for its variety of fresh seafood and big flavors from Latin American and Caribbean influences. You’ll also find Michelin-star restaurants serving up world-class menus.

Here are some places you may want to explore during your visit:

• Puerto Sagua: This South Beach restaurant is the spot to find a seafood-driven Cuban menu.
• Joe’s Crab Shack: A Miami institution, Joe’s Crab Shack has been serving up stone crab for more than 110 years. If you order this seafood staple of the Miami dining scene, be sure to pair it with their signature mustard sauce.
• Cote Miami: For a Michelin-star Korean barbecue experience, visit Cote. Try the butcher’s feast, which provides several different dry-aged cuts of beef, an assortment of vegetables, kimchi, egg souffle, two stews, rice and soft serve with soy sauce caramel.
• Maty’s: For a mix of traditional and modern Peruvian flavors, visit this restaurant from Val Chang who recently won a James Beard award. You’ll find refreshing cocktails and creative renditions of classic dishes like crudo.
• Mignonette: Don’t let the understated setting fool you. Mignonette offers an elevated seafood menu, including a rotating selection of oysters. 
• Jaguar Sun: If you’re looking for a fun spot for creative cocktails in the heart of downtown Miami, look no farther than Jaguar Sun. Check out the whimsical cocktail menu, featuring beverages like the Green Ghoul and Jailbreak.

You may find that reservations fill up quickly at the most popular restaurants during Miami Art Week. If you can’t get into these spots, there’s no shortage of delicious eateries and cocktail bars to choose from in this vibrant city.

In summary

Miami Art Week is a prestigious event that draws artists, collectors and art lovers from around the world. The event takes place from December 3-8, 2024. You’ll find an exciting lineup of art events, and this vibrant city boasts lots of options for hotels, transportation and dining to enhance your visit.