The Bass is Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum, in Collins Park at 2100 Collins Avenue, steps from the beach. Its exhibitions bring together international artists and works in fields including sculpture, design, fashion and architecture. Inside, you’ll find changing shows alongside pieces from the permanent collection; outside, look for Miami Mountain, Ugo Rondinone’s stack of brightly painted boulders. The museum occupies a 1930s Art Deco building that once housed the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center. Plan for an indoor art stop, then browse the museum shop.
A museum in a former library
The Bass is in Collins Park, on Collins Avenue near the northern end of South Beach. Its 1930s building was designed by Russell Pancoast and first housed the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center. The museum opened there in 1964, after John and Johanna Bass donated their art collection to the City of Miami Beach.
The building’s Art Deco exterior is made from Florida keystone, a fossil-rich material with a coral base. It is historically designated by the National Register of Historic Places and the City of Miami Beach. Inside, the galleries have a brighter, more open feel than the original exterior suggests.
What to see inside and out
The museum focuses on international contemporary art, including work by established and mid-career artists. Exhibitions change, and shows can encompass sculpture, fashion, design and architecture as well as more familiar art forms. The permanent collection also includes historical works, so the displays can bring older pieces into conversation with contemporary ones.
Allow around one to two hours to walk through the galleries at a relaxed pace. The museum is compact, and the exhibitions rotate, so check the current program if you have a particular artist or show in mind. QR codes can help you explore independently, and guided tours are available by reservation. Weekend Bass Highlights Tours provide an educator-led introduction to selected works.
Make time for the public art in Collins Park. Miami Mountain, by Ugo Rondinone, is a stack of large boulders painted in bright colors. Sylvie Fleury’s neon work Eternity Now is displayed on the museum facade. These outdoor pieces can be seen without entering the galleries.
Programs and planning your visit
The museum’s Creativity Center hosts educational activities, including workshops, classes and family events. Programs vary, so look at the museum’s website before your visit if you want to take part. The museum also holds events such as outdoor concerts and workshops; check the calendar for dates and details.
The Bass is open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 5 pm, and closed Monday and Tuesday. It is an easy indoor stop when you want a break from the beach, and its Collins Park setting makes it simple to pair the galleries with time outdoors. A cafe and museum shop are on site. Leave food and drinks outside the galleries, and use the Collins Parking Garage across the street if you’re arriving by car.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is The Bass in Miami?
The Bass is at 2100 Collins Avenue in Collins Park, Miami Beach, near the northern end of South Beach.
How long should I spend at The Bass?
Allow about one to two hours to see the galleries at a relaxed pace.
When is The Bass open?
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 pm. It is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Can you see art outside The Bass?
Yes. Collins Park has public artworks including Miami Mountain by Ugo Rondinone, and Eternity Now by Sylvie Fleury is on the museum facade.
