Underground Miami art galleries

The innovative Miami art scene is famous all over the world thanks to the popularity of its annual edition of Art Basel in Miami Beach, as well as for its avant-garde art galleries. But as well as the major exhibition spaces, you’ll also find a thriving underground art scene in Miami with contemporary galleries popping up all over the city, many of which can be found in the hip Wynwood Arts District. Take a look at our guide to underground art next time you book flights to Miami.

Nina Johnson

Formerly Gallery Diet, Nina Johnson brings a retro feel to the Miami art scene, exhibiting new and emerging artists from around the world. Since its inception in 2007, the gallery has produced many solo and group exhibitions – the likes of Charley Friedman, Fabienne Lasserre, Nicolas Lobo and Abby Manock have all at one point called the gallery their home. Exhibitions range from installations to works on paper but you can be sure there’s always something interesting to see.

6th Street Container

Shunning the trend of commercial premises in which many art galleries in Miami reside, 6th Street Container retains its off-beat location in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana, with neighbours including a barbershop, tattoo parlour and a bakery. Chief Curator Adalberto Delgado and Director Maria Amores organise monthly shows featuring experimental filmmakers, photographers and installation artists, cementing their provocative, unexpected and exciting reputation in the art arena of Miami.

Locust Projects

Contemporary visual artists find a safe haven at Locust Projects, a non-profit exhibition space in which the traditional pressures of gallery sales or space limitations are totally removed, allowing the freedom of new ideas and encouraging site-specific installations. Above all, this is a welcoming area for both the artist and the aficionado, where conversations between the two are regular and encouraged.

Artisan Lounge

Both emerging and well-known artists are welcomed at The Artisan Lounge, a Miami gallery with an impressive 26 studio spaces, three gallery areas and two artist lounges – all naturally lit. Connected to one of the oldest and most beautiful church buildings in Miami, not only does The Artisan Lounge offer an absolutely fascinating location, but resident artists also work together to keep the spaces collaborative and consistently exciting.

Dina Mitrani Gallery

Founded by Dina Mitrani in 2008 – after 20 years working within the New York and Miami art scenes – this gallery is dedicated exclusively to photography. Showcasing the work of both up-and-coming and established artists, and working closely with other galleries and institutions to put together thought-provoking exhibitions, the works on display here are constantly changing with the arrival of new shows.