What to Do in the Miami Design District: Our Guide

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
For more than 30 years, Cuban-born collector Carlos de la Cruz and his wife, Rosa, would open their Key Biscayne home to the public to share their passion for art, collecting, and education. In 2009, they took their hospitality one step further, opening a 30,000 square-foot museum, designed by John Marquette, in the posh Design District. The extension was a welcome change for Art Basel folk, who used to crowd the couple's waterfront mansion to view the modestly-sized collection before it was moved to this spacious spot. The museum is free and open to the public, with exhibits thoughtfully installed throughout the light and airy three-story building.

What all is in the permanent collection?
It focuses mostly on international contemporary art. Galleries are teeming with paintings, sculptures, and installations by the hottest names of the past decade, including Mark Bradford, Peter Doig, Dan Colen, and Nate Lowman. The museum also includes several "project rooms," one of which serves as a forum for local artists to display their work. Throughout the year, there are programs and lecture series that concentrate on public awareness of art history and contemporary art practices.

What about temporary exhibits?
The volume and pacing are just right, with rotating exhibits laid out thoughtfully and tastefully. For instance, the second floor contains works highlighting female artists who explore issues of self-identity, pairing well-established international stars like Tracey Emin and Rachel Harrison with local artists like Consuelo Castañeda, Naomi Fisher, and Cristina Lei Rodriguez.

What did you make of the crowd?
It's definitely a spot for aficionados and art world insiders. The place is almost never crowded, as it is a bit off the beaten path and still remains a secret of the local art world.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Docents have detailed knowledge of and obvious affection for the art; expect to hear stories about the collection, the De La Cruz family, and the artists' backgrounds.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
The museum is very manageable and can certainly be covered in under an hour.