If you like art, you may have read some buzz about Miami’s hot new Wynwood Arts District. It’s just a short drive from Bluegreen Solara Surfside and well worth investigating. Wynwood is a historic, centrally located Miami neighborhood that includes the subdivisions of the Miami Fashion District, and part of the Miami Design District. It lies just north of downtown, on the mainland.

This thriving community, truly on the cusp of being world-renowned, lies adjacent to the Design District near downtown Miami, the beaches (and Solara Surfside). The architect of its revitalization is Tony Goldman, an iconic developer often credited as one of the primary forces behind the transformation of South Beach.

Goldman saw great potential in Wynwood, a colorful warehouse district on the fringe of downtown. He imagined a thriving district where people would live, work and play. Wynwood is, after all, five minutes from the beach, five minutes from the airport, and adjacent to downtown. . . "location, location, location."

Goldman’s son Joey, a Miami resident, was instrumental in acquiring the nearly two dozen warehouses that the Goldmans now control, one of which serves as donated space for a satellite branch of North Miami’s prestigious contemporary MOCA museum. MOCA at Goldman Warehouse is not only fun and fascinating, it’s free; donations are accepted at the door.

When Dorsch Gallery took the plunge and opened as the first gallery in Wynwood, others followed suit. Wynwood is also home to the Rubell family’s private art collection, respected around the world and open for public viewing.

The district also saw several artist studios popping up, many of which were underwritten so that the district could remain a "working" arts neighborhood if real estate values increased (which they have). A cooperative arts alliance was formed, further igniting the flames that have drawn attention from collectors, dealers, the media, visitors, and Miami residents.

The Goldman family gave a social epicenter to Wynwood Miami Arts District by opening Joey’s Wynwood, a café that’s become the beating heart of this thriving new American arts district. It’s worth the drive just to have Joey’s spicy fig pizza.

Today Wynwood is exploding as an art Mecca, over 75 galleries infusing the district with energy. Vigilance is still required on a normal evening, but Second Saturdays, which run from 6-10 pm, attract large crowds of curious residents, wanna-be collectors, and art patrons for a fun evening of exploration on foot.

Wynwood is also hopping during December’s Art Basel, one of the largest and most prestigious art shows in the world. Art prices range from $200 or so, up to six figures, so there’s art for every budget.

GETTING THERE

The center of Wynwood Arts District is NW 22nd street to NW 29th street and from North Miami Avenue to NW 5th Avenue. NW 2nd is a good starting point. Joey’s has free valet parking for diners, and Wynwood has lots of street parking.

WHEN TO GO

Most galleries are open 12-5 pm, Tuesday – Saturday; some open at 10 am. Second Saturdays run 6-10 pm, the second Saturday of each month.

Year-round, large outdoor installations, such as the Goldman sculpture garden and a large children-friendly piece called "Penetrable" (in which visitors can literally immerse themselves; find it adjacent to Durban Segnini Gallery). There are also lots of great murals – blocks and blocks of them - on the sides of buildings. Take a driving tour to perfectly capture the essence of the Wynwood Miami Arts District.