Perez Art Museum Miami
It's the bomb. End of post. Bye.
Kidding, keep reading (please). So, most people haven't been to a museum since elementary school for a field trip. If you're reading this that was probably years ago for most people you know. If you identify with that sentence let me be the first to tell you that you’ve been deprived! The museum is an amazing place. Yes, some museums include more enjoyable content/art/activities than others, but I can promise that your visit to PAMM will have a lasting effect on you. Not all exhibits will appeal to you but unless your eyes are closed the entire time, it would be almost impossible to leave this museum empty handed.
There’s three floors worth of art with multiple rooms and different types/styles of art. Some of the art is interactive, some are very out of the box, some probably aren't quite your style, some make you want to take pictures next to them, some you won't want to look at for more than a few seconds and others are truly breathtaking. I could give you an example of each of these things, but I really want you to enjoy this experience without any spoilers. For some reason a lot of people are going to the museum now because it’s “cool to do” but I'm praying that being informed and knowledgeable is actually becoming popular instead. If you're only going to PAMM to “look cool” on social media pleaseeeeee take at least five seconds before, after, or between your cool Snapchat and Instagram pictures to actually enjoy your visit.
What I like about PAMM is that you don’t have to be an art major, a professor, scholar, or an incredibly deep thinker to enjoy the pieces. I found most pieces extremely easy to enjoy and appreciate. It isn't just paintings on a wall, there’s hands-on activities that appeal to all ages, pieces that make loud noises, pieces that move electronically, some pieces that you’re actually allowed to touch and pieces that are literally jaw dropping. A lot of people think of museums as boring and this is true, some places are boring but not PAMM. If you're bored the entire time you're here, you probably have no soul if we’re being completely honest with each other.
After you see all of the exhibits you ABSOLUTELY MUST go to the back of the museum for some pretty spectacular views and to me that’s an understatement. You’ll immediately notice the large hanging greenery with a nice view of Biscayne Bay. There’s large descending stairs that will take you closer to the water and a walkway that you can take a nice walk on or rent bikes and ride along the path next the Bay. Whether its 2pm or 9pm the view here is amazing. There’s cool hanging chairs you can recline in and a super cool spot to take nice pictures so you can look cool on Instagram if that’s what you’re into. Whenever I come to this portion of the museum I feel at peace, which caught me by surprise. After my very first visit, I started visiting this part of the museum regularly, on lunch breaks, to eat, read, write, or just think. Listen, I PAY for parking just to enjoy this part of the museum without going inside to see the art. That alone should say a lot about the effect it leaves on you. You will not regret this experience. They also have Verde, the restaurant inside of the museum and a small cafe where you can grab a bite to eat after enjoying the art so, definitely check that out while you're there. Verde also offers brunch, and you know how I feel about brunch. Brunch or die trying.
So, while you're there, take time to stand in front of the art and really take it in. Enjoy the colors, the shapes, the energy it gives off as much as you can. Unless you work in a creative field or an office with really nice decor, you won’t be exposed to this type of innovative, colorful, meaningful, and wonderful material daily unless you purposefully seek it. Change up the pace, take a mental break and go to PAMM.
Price Range: On the first Saturday and Thursday of the month, the admission is free. But regularly, the admission isn't too crazy. You should expect to spend around $16 for adults, $12 for students, and free for children under 6 and active U.S. Military.
Occasion: If you want to have a nice night out with friends or a significant other, and of course going alone is always an option, this would be a great location. The museum can easily have the same volume of a library, at times, so if you want a rowdy day/evening, this would not be the place for you. But it’s a museum so why would you wanna be rowdy here anyways?? I will say that on the free nights, it can get a little noisy since some of the exhibits are hands on and some of the art pieces are interactive and make very loud noises ANDDD there’s a lot of people taking advantage of the free opportunity but this still isn't a good reason to lose your mind at the museum.
Dress code: You're going to be walking around for at least an hour so wear comfortable shoes. Okay, dress code for museums hit home for me and I might sound crazy but: YOU NEED TO DRESS LIKE YOU ARE ART. Dress as if you belong on a wall in the museum. Wear something that shows who you are as a person, something that shows your true personality. Everything about the museum and art screams self expression. Be. A. Masterpiece. If you think I'm saying “be extra” then you can read personalities through writing well and we should be friends. Whoever you are as a person, display that in the most authentic way possible while you're here please and thank you.
