Although Miami is one of the most visited North American destinations for its beaches and shopping areas, for more than a decade it has become a meeting point for lovers of art, design and fashion. Not for nothing since 2002 it has hosted Art Basel, the most important contemporary art fair in the world. And to this is added the Miami Design District, a neighborhood that for just over 10 years has been a cultural, artistic and gastronomic meeting point of the city.
This vibrant neighborhood is just minutes from downtown, South Beach beaches and the Wynwood Arts District. But beyond its convenient location, it’s a must-stop for international tastemakers. Today, it houses more than 120 flagship stores, including luxury brands such as Balenciaga, Hermès, Fendi, Dior, Cartier and Louis Vuitton, among many others.
When it comes to art, the architecture of each of the buildings that make up this design district is a small sample of the brilliant minds of this century. Names such as Aranda/Lasch, Sou Fujimoto, Keenen/Riley, Zaha Hadid and Aranguren y Gallegos are part of this artistic legacy. In addition, throughout the Miami Design District there are more than 130 art galleries and showrooms.
And as one of the trendiest places in the city, gastronomy also becomes an artistic expression. Here flavors from different corners of the world are brought together by famous chefs who offer 25 culinary proposals.
But it is worth clarifying that more than a process of gentrification, the rebirth of this area was part of an ambitious urban project that Craig Robbins, CEO of Dacra Development and developer of the Miami Design District, devised in the late 90s.
This is how the Miami Design District was born
Towards the 80’s, the area, which was inhabited by artists, was abandoned because of some public order disturbances. For Robbins, however, this was a neighborhood with a lot of potential. With a clear vision to revitalize the city’s art movement, he purchased the project’s first building: The Moore Building.
This historic structure, built in 1921, proudly reveals its past. However, it is currently mixed with the permanent installation of the famous Iraqi architect, Zaha Hadid: Elastika. It is a futuristic exhibition that gave life to what was once a furniture showroom .
After his first acquisition, Robbins continued to purchase other buildings and warehouses. His goal was to transform a forgotten sector of Miami into a creative community through art. In 2010, Dacra Development and L Catterton joined forces to complete what is today one of the most ambitious and innovative commercial projects in recent years.
The plan, which aimed to build a neighborhood from scratch, was carried out by the renowned urban planning firm Duany Plater-Zyberk. But, it was the world leader in luxury, LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, that was instrumental in inviting major fashion houses, talented artists and award-winning chefs to join this initiative.
“I think the Miami Design District has been successful because it has become a shopping destination, but also a cultural destination,” Craig Robbins said in an interview with the Miami Herald. “Extraordinary alchemy is created when you combine creative talents to build an authentic community,” he adds.
The Miami Design District as the cultural center of the city
Beyond the luxurious fashion stores, the DNA of this area has been the art programming that takes place in the neighborhood. The goal: to create enriching cultural moments in a functional place accessible to everyone. So, in addition to museums and art galleries, the streets are dotted with pieces of art from the private collection of the Miami Design District co-founder.
Within the unlimited artistic offer, it is worth highlighting the work that organizations do to boost the talent of local artists. It is these that, with a robust cultural agenda, becomes a platform for unknown names to end up shining on the international scene. This is a small selection of institutions that have a calendar of events not to miss.
Institute of Contemporary Art Miami
It is an organization that promotes experimentation in contemporary art and the exchange of ideas. Its robust exhibition calendar includes the presentation of emerging artists who need an international launch pad. And as part of its commitment to the community, admission is free year-round.
De la Cruz Collection
It is a private gallery that has approximately 3,000 square meters of area for the annual exhibitions organized by the owners. Its free programming includes lectures, artist-led workshops, and pre-university programs.
Locust Projects
Founded by artists and for artists in 1998, it is Miami’s oldest alternative art space. It is considered a talent incubator that encourages experimentation as a creative line. In addition to exhibitions, it offers residencies, grants, and contemporary art practices to boost the careers of local artists.
In addition to the above, there are more than 45 exhibition areas that will satisfy the taste of lovers of contemporary pieces. The best way to enjoy the cultural movement is to take a free touroffered twice a month. If you prefer, you can also access the musical proposals. Every weekend Caribbean rhythms take to the streets of the Miami Design District with open-air concerts.
Where to eat in the Miami Design District?
After a long day of shopping and cultural immersion, nothing better to recover energy than a unique culinary experience. Here in the Miami Design District there is a place to satisfy even the most demanding palate.
From the most intimate bistros, to haute cuisine restaurants, the diversity of flavors offers local and seasonal ingredients, with vegetarian and healthy alternatives. This is a small selection among the restaurants and bars that have made Miami a gastronomic destination.
Swan and Bar
It is considered one of the most romantic spots in the Miami Design District. The cuisine of chef Jean Imbert is defined as modern chic with a great international influence. The lounge, located on the second level, is renowned for its artisanal cocktails.
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
It is a delicate mix between a relaxed atmosphere and a high quality menu. Its chef, Michael Schwartz, describes his proposal as homemade, fresh, unpretentious and created with local seasonal ingredients. His other restaurant, Harry’s Pizzeria, is a more casual alternative. Here you can enjoy craft beers, salads and the famous thin crust pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
The aromas of Greek and Turkish food flood this house of the 40s that recall the Greek islands. Their dishes are simple, rustic and authentically Mediterranean. The garden, which adorns the back, is a place illuminated by lanterns that create an intimate atmosphere.
Politan Row Miami
Here you will find a variety of carefully selected local talent. It was chosen as the best food hall by Travel & Leisure magazine due to the diversity of its flavors and the modern design of its spaces. It certainly offers a different menu, accompanied by a proposal of artisanal mixology. Other proposals such as those of celebrity chef Brad Kilgore, that of the famous Cuban couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and the legacy of French chef Joël Robuchon, awarded with 32 Michelin stars, flood the streets of the Miami Design District. A place where art, gastronomy and fashion certainly coexist in perfect harmony to offer a luxury experience like no other.
References
Miami Design District.net. (undated). Miami Design District. Retrieved from: https://www.miamidesigndistrict.net/
Greater Miami Convention and Visitor Bureau. (undated). Miami Design District. Retrieved from: https://www.miamiandbeaches.lat/vecindarios/miami-design-district
Coriat, S. (2018, December 7). What to see, what to do and what to eat in Miami’s trendy neighborhood. Condé Nast Traveler Spain. Retrieved from https://www.traveler.es/viajes-urbanos/articulos/miami-design-district-guia-que-visitar/14130
DeAcetis, J. (2019, February 26). How Craig Robins is Reimagining the Luxury Retail Experience in the Miami Design District. Forbes. Retrieved dehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/josephdeacetis/2019/02/26/how-craig-robins-is-reimagining-theluxury-retail-experience-in-the-miami-design-district/#6c136b5f6b81
Editorial Inmobiliare. (2019, March 23). Miami Design District. Immobiliare. Retrieved from:https://inmobiliare.com/miami-design-district-el-distrito-de-diseno-de-miami/
Wile, R. (2020, January 13). From the Falls to Lincoln Road, Local Retail is at a Crossroads. Miami Herald. Retrieved from https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article239030903.html#storylink=cpy
