One of the most wonderful things to explore in Miami is the Wynwood Walls. Although many great museums in Miami have art represented from all over the world, Wynwood Walls takes it to the next level. If you are a lover of art, then you must visit Wynwood Walls as it is a celebration of the best raw street art anywhere in the world.
Together, let us look at what makes Wynwood Walls so special and what to expect when you visit.
The Wynwood Walls is an open outdoor museum made up of giant walls. This museum covers six buildings which have become canvases for artists from all over the world. This burgeoning outdoor street museum is a heavenly place for painters, creatives, graffiti artists and several young innovators.
History
The Wynwood Walls has a history of rich art and culture which reflects the beauty of Miami other than the staggering beaches, coruscating nightlife, and beautiful skyline views.
Early and late 19th Century: If we look between 1910 to 1970 century Wynwood has witnessed significant shift from being an unnamed farmland which later known as “WYNDWOOD” (Now Wynwood) to mix of working-class families, warehouses, and industrial companies.
Foundation and Development: The credit for the foundation, growth and development of this place goes to Late Tony Goldman who was an American real estate developer. He was able to build a thriving community out of a forgotten neighborhood which has now grown into a full-fledged art district.
In 2009 he began with converting the warehouse walls into a pedestrian artistic spot, which later became an epicenter for graffiti artists all over the world. Wynwood Walls have now become the greatest collection of street art in the world with every wall turned into a great canvas.
Over the past 14 years, the community has now increased to encompass the Wynwood Walls Garden as well. It has four additional murals in an open green space filled with beautiful plants and flowers. Wynwood Doors is a recent addition to the community, it has now been transformed into a beautiful park with plants and trees.
Borders are not a constraint for Wynwood, you can see the works of artists from Latin America, Europe, Asia represented here. Wynwood Walls is not just about graffiti and murals. Wynwood walls takes you to the evolutionary journey of art and artist from traditional to contemporary world exploring various themes ranging from pop culture, nature, wildlife, social justice, immigration, and racial inequality to political commentary.
Things to do at Wynwood walls
Wynwood Art Walk – You can attend the Wynwood Art Walk on every second Saturday of every month from 6 pm to 10 pm. You can spend your day exploring the streets and once you are done exploring, you can support local artists by buying their original artwork, pins, and much more. Other than their art, you can also enjoy live music or sit in a garden with a beverage.
Museums of Graffiti – There is so much to see and do in the only museum in Wynwood. It is also the only museum in the world devoted to the art of graffiti. While you are at the museum, you can also cherish a fine art gallery. Also, remember to visit the world-class gift shop. Here you will be able to pick up limited-edition merchandise created by famous graffiti artists.
Wynwood Walls Shop – Here there is so much cool merchandise available from the current artists of the wall and something available for everybody. You can purchase apparel such as hoodies, t-shirts, backpacks, and more.
CGA Gallery
Located at the heart of Wynwood Walls, it is a gallery featuring over 100 street artists including a bright, modern exhibit area in the garden area. Make sure you do not miss the CGA Gallery while you are at Wynwood Walls.
Artists featured.
Here are some of the talented artists featured at Wynwood Walls
Lady Aiko – She was born in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to New York where she now lives. She has worked all over the U.S. and Europe and is responsible for the ‘Woman on the Walls” exhibit at Wynwood.
Lady Pink – She started her career at an early age and her first exhibition was at 21. She is originally from Ecuador and gives lectures to students about urban art.
Maya Hayuk – Her work pursues psychedelic experiences in visual form. She has a giant whale mural in Wynwood Walls and is known for her bright geometric art.
Kobra – He is a Brazilian street artist from Sao Paulo who started doing street art at the age of 12 and now his work can be seen across five continents.
Pieces to look out for.
Even though there are many amazing street murals at Wynwood Walls, here are listed some of the special ones to look out for.
- The Favela Painting at the side of Zak the Baker
- Shephard Fairey at 2520 Northwest 2nd Avenue.
- The massive #FreeLolita whale art at 170 Northwest 23rd Street.
Workshops and Events: Wynwood Walls host regular art workshops and events. Check their events calendar for: Educational tours, Film screening, Cultural events and Music performances.
Tips
- Make sure you have downloaded the Wynwood Walls app on your iPhone or Android smartphone before you decide to visit the walls.
- You can connect to the free WI-FI that stretches across the neighborhood. You need to select the “Wynwood Walls Guest” network when you arrive over there.
- You can take a tour of the Wynwood walls by selecting a guide to learn about the area’s rich history and culture.
- We advise you to visit early during the day, so you get the best lighting and can take good photographs.
- Try coming to Wynwood Malls with an empty stomach as it has some of the best dining places in all of Miami.
Food
Here are some of the best restaurants in and around Wynwood Walla.
- Pastis Miami
- Doya
- Hiden
- The Taco Stand
- Zak The Baker
- Skinny Louie
- Uchi
- Joe’s Pizza NYC
- Rishtedar
- 1-800-Lucky
Stay
Miami has a lot of fun and interesting Airbnb’s to stay at during your vacation. Here are some of them listed.
The Goldfinger Inn – It is a historic two-story home, and you can stay in one of six of their bedrooms, each of which has two beds to sleep on. You must share the bathroom, but they are professionally managed. There is a kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, and fridge in the communal area. The space is filled with unique art, antiques, and murals like that of Wynwood walls.
Miami Vibes –It has a lot of fun and games along with a dart board, giant Jenga, and some Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, and a PlayStation 4. Two people can easily fit in the bed and there is a private bathroom. As an extra bonus – there is a house cat Gigi whom you can make friends with.
Wynwood Suite – It offers some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 5 blocks away from the Wynwood district, you can relax on the king-size sofa and bed. There is also a steam shower, refrigerator, and microwave. You will also find free parking off the streets as well as rental bikes.
Parking and getting there.
The address for Wynwood Walls is 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127. To reach by public transport, you can take the 119 buses to Omni Terminal or Arsht Metromover and change onto the number 32 bus which will drop you off by Wynwood. You can take the same route to get back home.
The Timings for Wynwood Walls are Monday to Thursday 10 am to 11.30 pm and Friday to Saturday 10.30-12 am. On Sundays it is open 10.30-8 pm.
There is no entry fee to visit, the only thing to might have to pay for is a guide if you want a comprehensive tour of the Walls.
As you might know, parking in Miami is quite challenging. No matter where you park while visiting Wynwood Walls, you will have to do some walking. Parking is not free, but you can pay easily through the PayByPhone app. Even though difficult to find, nearby street parking is $1.50 an hour from 7 am to 2 am or a flat fee of $5 for special events. The closest parking garage is the Midtown Miami North Block Garage, which is located at 3401 N Miami Ave, which is about 18 minutes on foot.
If you are driving, you will be able to see all the murals within 30 minutes to an hour, but you will not be able to get any photographs.
