The Bass Art Museum Miami

Learn More About The Bass Art Museum Miami

The Bass is a well-known contemporary art museum in Miami Beach. The Bass was formed in 1964 by the City of Miami Beach, following the donation of a private collection by citizens John and Johanna Bass, and inaugurated in what was originally the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center, a 1930s Art Deco structure built by Russell Pancoast.

The Bass has been recognized for presenting important exhibits by influential artists such as El Anatsui, Isaac Julien, Eve Sussman, and Piotr Uklański, as well as arranging the first solo museum shows in the United States by foreign artists such as Erwin Wurm. The exhibition program includes a varied variety of media and creative points of view, offering new views to Miami Beach's rich cultural milieu.

This wonderful museum is also accessible for any corporate gatherings, meetings, or other purposes. The Bass is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is recognized by the American Alliance of Museums.

What Can We Expect To See Here?

You don't even have to enter the museum to enjoy its visual pleasure; Ugo Rondinone's Miami Mountain, a 42-foot tall, brilliantly colored sculpture that sits in Collins Park just outside the museum, has become a South Beach symbol in its own right. The museum also encourages visitors to play on a vividly colored chess table created by artist Jim Drain (the front desk will happily loan you some chess or checker pieces). Inside, the museum's collection of both permanent and rotating exhibitions is bright and cheerful.

Are There Any Guided Tours Worth Taking?

One of the greatest improvements to the “new” Bass is the installation of a Creativity Center, which contains a pair of classrooms, a multimedia lab, an outdoor terrace, and more space for public programs. The Bass's event calendar is jam-packed, making education a top priority. Group tours are available throughout the day (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and are useful for individuals who want to delve further into the work on display, but self-guided excursions provide lots of information as well (and let you move at your own pace).

What Can We Buy At The Gift Shop?

The gift shop appears to be more of a boutique, and its selection is unlikely to sway your opinion. While it is not large, it has an impressive selection of art books and one-of-a-kind artist-created goods, including jewelry, that will serve as mementos of your visit.

Is It Worth Stopping At The Café, Or Should We Go Somewhere Else?

The Café at The Bass is a new addition to the facility that serves coffee, pastries, shared nibbles like a cheese platter, and seasonal, health-conscious meals like quinoa salad with baby kale, cranberries, and hazelnuts.