An Insider’s Guide to Miami Curated by Nina Johnson
The gallerist divulges where to eat, stay, shop, and find inspiration in the vibrant city
For Floridian gallerist Nina Johnson, Miami Art Week offers the perfect time to explore art, design, and the culinary diversity of this dynamic city. “Art Basel, Design Miami, NADA, Alcova, and Untitled art fairs all fit nicely between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” says Johnson of the early December cultural tradition. In addition to the three exhibitions opening at her eponymous gallery in the heart of Little Haiti this week, there are endless activations and installations happening throughout the coastal city. Here, Johnson shares with Galerie her hometown highlights for Miami Art Week and beyond.
What makes the energy of Miami so unique?
It’s a city where so many people have a touch point: people have visited, or they stop through on the way to and from South America. It makes for a truly vibrant mix. Art Basel and Design Miami have had a global impact, and the contemporary art world has flourished. I remember the first year of the fair—when it was canceled due to 9/11—and now we are seeing the collectable design market mirroring—and even outpacing—the art market. It’s an exciting time!
What are you most excited about during this year’s edition of Miami Art Week?
I’m excited about our exhibitions including “Acid Bath House,” a group exhibition curated by Jarrett Earnest; Dara Friedman’s solo exhibition “Star People”; and functional outdoor works by Emmett Moore in the Gallery Courtyard, from December 1. I’m excited about the intergenerational work of artists who range in age from the 30s to the 80s. I’m also looking forward to the David Byrne concert at the Fillmore on Friday night (December 5) and to seeing “Woody De Othello: coming forth by day” at the Perez Art Museum. He is a Miami-born artist working in hand-built ceramics and his first solo show promises to be immersive and moving.
Are there areas that are particularly interesting now?
The Little River neighborhood feels like a real foodie destination now, and Sunny’s Miami is everyone’s see-and-be-seen favorite for classic steaks, seafood, and cocktails. The downtown area remains a nexus of art and old-world Miami, and slightly kitschy Tam Tam is a must for excellent Vietnamese food, while Little Haiti – with its proximity to the Design District—is full of galleries and wonderful architecture from the 1930s. You’ll find courtyards shaded by avocado trees, and it feels very authentic.
Where do you recommend people stay when coming to Art Basel?
There is a hotel for every price point from the more affordable Vagabond, a retro spot in the Mi-Mo district where our artists will be staying. This area is full of vintage shops and coffee shops, and it’s very walkable. At the higher end, there is The Surf Club with its sleek, minimalist design and excellent restaurant by chef Thomas Keller. The Standard is always a solid choice and is located at a midway point between art and restaurants throughout the city. I also think Soho Beach House in Miami Beach does an excellent job of incorporating artists into their programming and the atmosphere is always buzzy.
Are there restaurants, bars and cafes that you frequent?
For a very fresh breakfast, I recommend El Bagel, where the egg sandwiches on hand-rolled bagels are delicious. For an unexpected treat, try The Cleat in nearby Key Biscayne. The sunsets and piña coladas are both outstanding. Sunny’s, as I mentioned, is the place for power players and Wagyu, while Bar Bucce is the place for casual pizzas served outside.
Are there special sights, shops, or parks that are ideal for art and design lovers?
I am a fan of Vara—a vintage multi-brand boutique—where you’ll find everything from Thierry Mugler to LL Bean boots. It’s so unique. For more vintage finds, Fly Boutique in Miami Beach is worth a detour, too. This year marks the third year of Alcova Miami—an exhibition that highlights contemporary design, architecture, and technology during Miami Art Week—and it is always interesting. The Design District is the place for high-end luxury shopping and it’s also very foodie with stand-out restaurants such as Mother Wolf, Contessa, and Carbone.
One of the most special yet under-visited places is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens—the enormous Mediterranean-style property and its surrounding lush gardens. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is another lesser-known gem with incredible collections of orchids and cacti. A bit further north in Delray Beach, you’ll find the Morakami Museum and Japanese Gardens, and in West Palm Beach, there is The Bunker Artspace that opened in 2017. Housed in a 1920s toy factory, this private museum houses the collections of Beth Rudin DeWoody, with a focus on emerging artists.