Art is a powerful medium. It can express emotions, depict historical events, or capture someone’s character in a portrait. It may provide commentary on social and political issues. And, in Miami, it revitalized a neighborhood of abandoned warehouses into the lively Wynwood Arts District — a top tourist attraction and one of America’s best hipster neighborhoods.
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Made up of 70 art galleries, boutique retail shops, eateries, and bars, the Wynwood Arts District has become a can’t-miss attraction when visiting Magic City.
In fact, Wynwood Walls — an outdoor collection of large and vibrant murals created by world-renowned street artists — is ranked the No. 4 best thing to do in Miami by U.S. News & World Report.
During my Miami vacation in March 2015, I visited Wynwood Walls with a couple friends. The guys drove down from the West Palm Beach area, stopping to pick me up at my Surfside hotel. From there, it was about a 30-minute drive to Wynwood, where we set off the explore Miami’s street art scene.
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Exploring Miami Street Art At Wynwood Walls
Photo by Greg Angel
At this common selfie and Instagram hot spot, I stopped for a quick pose in front of my favorite mural by Brooklyn-based artist Maya Hayuk at Wynwood Walls. As you explore Wynwood Walls and the surrounding neighborhood, you’ll want to keep your camera or phone handy.
Wondering what kind of camera to take to Wynwood? I captured the photos in this post on my Canon Rebel with a standard 18-55mm lens. However, if I were to photograph Miami’s street art today, I’d probably shoot with my favorite mirrorless camera. I love how compact and lightweight my mirrorless camera is!
Walking into Wynwood Walls, we immediately passed this colorful wall painted by FUTURA, a New York City graffiti artist.
Full of pop culture icons, Ron English’s art at Wynwood Walls features a “hulk boy” and a camo deer. I love how the artist described Wynwood Walls as “Woodstock for artists” and believes that art can revitalize cities.
This Wynwood Doors artwork features a portrait of Henry Flagler, the railroad and oil tycoon who established Miami’s Overtown neighborhood for his black workers. Located 15 blocks south of the Wynwood Walls, the historic “Colored Town” thrived during the Jim Crow era but saw a decline after the 1950s due to urban renewal and construction of Miami’s highways, I-95 and the Dolphin Expressway, in the neighborhood.
The close up shot above of a mural by Cryptik showcases the LA-based artist’s use of ancient script to create works described as “trance like.” Stare at this for a moment too long and you may get dizzy!
On an 80-something-degree day, I was pleasantly surprised to find this “cool” art.
More Street Art & Graffiti Throughout Wynwood Arts District
If I had to describe the artistic style of London-based Lakwena, I’d say bold, vividly colorful, and graphic. Her mural which states “I remember paradise” is located outside Wynwood Walls and was created for Art Basel, the annual contemporary and modern art show, in 2013.
Created by Sheryo, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Singapore, in 2013, the street art pictured above features characters inspired by the cartoons she watched as child. “Miami Spraycation” is located outside Wynwood Walls, and you can find more of Sheryo’s art in the Wynwood Doors.
What To Know Before Visiting Wynwood Walls
A short drive from Downtown Miami, the Wynwood neighborhood has become an artistic haven that centers around the Wynwood Walls. Old warehouse buildings have become artists’ canvases showcasing vibrantly colored murals and urban street and graffiti art. The surrounding Wynwood Arts District is home to 70 art galleries, retail shops, cafes, and bars.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 10:30 a.m. – Midnight | Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Parking: Pay-to-park lots within a few blocks
Cost: Free, but bring money for parking, shopping, and dining at the Wynwood Kitchen & Bar or other neighborhood eateries
Tours: Guided tours of Wynwood Walls are available. Here are a few guided Wynwood tours you can book:
- Official Wynwood Walls Tour
- Miami Food and Art Walking Tour of Wynwood Neighborhood
- Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Tour
- Best of Wynwood: Street Art and Gallery Tour
- Wynwood Graffiti Tour
Where To Stay Nearby:
- Hyde Suites Midtown Miami (.7 miles from Wynwood Walls)
- Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay (1.1 miles)
- Life House, Little Havana (2.4 miles)
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell (2.9 miles)
- Vagabond Hotel Miami (3 miles)
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Have you been to Miami’s Wynwood Walls? Which artwork was your favorite?
Editor’s Note: This post was last updated on Jan. 24, 2020.
Amazing list of art! A brand new mural by the art team of Luca Vigorelli and Paul Kuniholm graces a MANA Wynwood building across the street from Shepard Fairey’s mural. Luca and Paul created a unicorn + angel mural together and the combination is INSPIRING! 524 NW 22ND ST.
I’ve seen and read so much about Wynwood but never really learned the story behind it. Thanks for the info! I agree that art can totally revitalize an area. I’d love to experience Wynwood Walls one day!
Street art isn’t one of the first things that I think about in Miami but it will be now! I especially like Cryptik and the “cool” art, I hadn’t seen something like that before! I think hulk boy is also in New York, I’ll have to double check on that.
I absolutely LOVE street art and your photos are beautiful. I live in Florida so I’ll definitely head to see this soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love happening upon street art! It tells you so much about the culture and interests of the local people, too! Wow, thee’s some amazing street art in Miami, and isn’t that “green muscle baby” kind of creepy?!
Love Wynwood Walls! Such a great way to revitalize an area. Of course, we kind of like Miami in general. So many great influences in music, cuisine and art. If we could take our Dallas Mavericks with us, we’d move there! 😉
I’ve never been to Miami, and this post makes me wish I lived closer. I really like the one of Henry Flagler. Thanks for the tips on where to park too.
I love street art!!! I never get to see much of it in Miami…. too busy running to the strip lol!
So cool!! I love street art. I think my favorite one of all your photos is the cartoonish style of the second to last photo (not counting the pinnable one). Coincidentally, I’m also blogging about Miami this week. When we got of our cruise, we had time to do one thing before flying off — Wynwood Walls or Vizcaya. We ended up at Vizcaya, so I’m glad to see your photos of the other option.
I am such a sucker for street art! This is definitely something I will do if I ever visit Miami!
Wow, these are pretty. I’ve only been to Miami once, and only for a few hours (I was visiting Ft. Lauderdale for Yelp Spring Break) but I’d like to go back some day. 🙂
Beautiful! One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to search for street art. Loved these photos. Thanks!
Wow, these look so cool. I love finding creative art like this. I bet they look even better in person.
Very cool – thanks for sharing! I haven’t been to Miami in more than 10 years. I don’t think we were ever near here.
I have been there a year ago and you have a lot of colorful shots! Nice to relive some of the artsy memories – however, I expect a but more to see including funky shops and cafes in the neighourhood @ knycx.joourneying
Yes, the neighborhood definitely has more to see beyond the art. I’m sure it has grown too since I was there two years ago. I’d love to go back to explore the neighborhood more, checking out some of the galleries, shops, and foodie spots.
I mean, I don’t really like hipsters. I’ve never even had a cronut. 🙂 But I would check out this ‘hood the next time in Miami, for the instagram opportunities alone. TBH, these artworks are kind of a mixed bag for me — I don’t like the ones that look too busy or too abstract, but the Flagler portrait is neat (I’m aware of the important role he played in developing the area), and I also like the polygon figure (which doesn’t have a caption in this post) and the group of fans on a wall.
Haha. I feel you. I live in a very hipster city, so I’ve gotten used to it. But, visiting this hipster ‘hood is totally worth it when in Miami. The Flagler portrait is one of the more straightforward artworks at Wynwood Walls. You’ll definitely find a mix, especially if you walk around the neighborhood outside the Walls.
I grew up in south Florida and love the Wynwood area! These are definitely some of the cooler murals around.
xo, Helene
http://www.circleskirtsandpetticoats.wordpress.com
I so want to see this when we are in Miami next year. Your map will be a great resource.
What a beautiful post! It’s so gorgeous the street art
I love street art and discovering colorful murals and walls has become one of my favorite things to do in cities. I have heard a lot about this area in Miami. Can’t wait to visit. I prefer when the art is concentrated in an area. #WeekendWanderlust
I really enjoyed your street art photos – particularly the large and full building murals. They are colourful, vibrant, and full of detail. I think the wall of fans is a real kick 🙂
Wow! I have been to Miami, but I missed all the street art. I’m going to have to check these out next time I go. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
xo, SC // SCsScoop.com