The massive show known as Art Basel that descends on Miami Beach every December remains a strong influence on the city of Miami year round, manifesting in the form of many art-inspired venues perfect for creative meetings, conferences and events. The next time you’re planning an event in the city, consider one of these special locations to create an Art Basel vibe any time of year—minus the crowds that convene for the main show.
Wynwood Walls
What began as a community art project in 2009 by the late real-estate developer Tony Goldman is now one of Miami’s greatest artistic assets. Since its inception, it’s worked with more than 50 artists from around the world and covered more than 80,000 square feet of walls, making for ultimate Instagram backdrops. Wynwood Walls is also an excellent event venue, with multiple spaces both indoors and out for hosting everything from board meetings to large receptions. Be sure to pop into the gallery of eclectic Neo-Pop artist Peter Tunney to see some of the most surprising works you’ll find in the city.
W South Beach
Walking the lobby and halls of W South Beach is like being in a museum, without the stuffiness. One of the hippest hotels on South Beach, the W is home to a multimillion-dollar collection of contemporary art from legendary artists like Andy Warhol, Julien Schnabel and Jean-Michel Basquiat. While the hotel is always a hub for guests in town for major events, such as Art Basel or South Beach Wine & Food Festivals, meeting planners can capitalize on that energy by hosting an event here any time of year in one of seven dedicated rooms totaling nearly 15,000 square feet. Another perk: The hotel has a partnership with The Bass across the street, providing even more opportunities for events.
The Bass
This beloved contemporary art museum is located steps from Miami Beach in the heart of the Art Deco district and focuses on an expanded interpretation of the genre, with unique takes on design, fashion and architecture. It was first built as a library in the 1930s and has since become a Miami landmark. Fresh off a renovation, the museum has many beautiful event spaces, with the largest accommodating up to 250 guests. Among them: Cejas Gallery, with 12-foot ceilings and a permanent installation from Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou; the L-shaped Lindemann Courtyard, with 29-foot ceilings; and The Creativity Center, with multipurpose spaces perfect for breakout sessions.
Bagatelle Miami Beach
In search of an inspiring, art-filled restaurant for an executive dinner or meeting? Look no further than this French-Mediterranean bistro, best known for its extravagant brunches but also serving dinner. The restaurant recently overhauled its art program, transforming its most popular menu item—Dom Perignon—into 10 works of art that are part of a collaboration with Miami art dealer Marcel Katz and local artist Tiago Magro. Guests can dine or sip cocktails while admiring walls adorned with rotating art by Brickell’s famed Eternity Gallery, as well, in a setting that has full AV capabilities and a capacity for 112 guests.
Pérez Art Museum
Miami’s flagship art museum, known as PAMM for short, was founded in 1984 and highlights the work of modern and contemporary artists from around the world. One notable exhibition is the outdoor sculpture garden, featuring large-scale works in the open air. When it comes to private events, PAMM has more than a dozen venues for rent, including a waterfront event space with views of Biscayne Bay, outdoor plazas filled with lush vegetation, and a variety of modern indoor spaces for meetings and receptions. As spectacular as the art is the cuisine, which is catered by Constellation Culinary Group.
