Wynwood: Miami’s fashionable neighbourhood in four stops
Beyond beaches and shopping, Florida’s largest city is known for a vibrant art scene that is gradually stealing the limelight from the clichéd piña-colada postcard images of South Beach. Here are four places that will help you discover the originality and local character of a Miami that has reinvented itself with creativity at its heart.
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1 Street art in Wynwood Walls
Created in 2009 by Tony Goldman − the man behind the revitalisation of neighbourhoods such as New York City’s SoHo and Washington Square in Philadelphia − Wynwood’s graffiti area is a must for any lover of street art. There are more than 24,000 square metres painted by more than 50 artists from 16 countries, including Brazil’s world-famous OSGEMEOS [www.osgemeos.com.br/en], Invader and Kenny Scharf, in Miami’s largest outdoor art gallery.
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2 Colourful cuisine
Located among the famous graffiti is one of the most renowned spots in Miami’s restaurant scene – Wynwood Kitchen & Bar [www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com]. The restaurant offers creative tapas-style cuisine with a Latin American influence, focusing mainly on ceviche, meat and fish. Heading the kitchen is Miguel Aguilar, a prominent Peruvian chef who also owns the famous Surfish Bistro in New York.
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3 From bake shop to art house
A true (and pioneering) cultural industry is Bakehouse Art Complex, an arts centre and creative incubator that opened more than 20 years ago, long before Wynwood had the reputation it enjoys today. The centre is located in what used to be an early-20th-century bakery. Today, though, after extensive refurbishment, Bakehouse hosts more than 60 resident artists, include a photo lab, two galleries, a classroom, jewellery studio and more. Don’t leave without visiting its exhibitions, open every day from noon until five.
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4 Toast the oldies!
Away from the neon lights, Gramps is one of Miami’s most popular bars. In a grim-looking former industrial warehouse, the bar boasts a huge courtyard with picnic tables, live music and karaoke – perfect for enjoying the Miami heat. And don’t miss happy hour – Monday to Friday from 4-7pm. Try Gramps’ famous Moscow Mule, with vodka, lime juice, ginger syrup and club soda, served up in a cup made of real copper.
