Bass Museum of Art in Miami, Florida is an ideal stop for those that are interested in historical art and culture. This museum is filled with Renaissance art and religiously themed tapestries. Although small and unique, the Bass Museum of Art is considered a cultural jewel in Miami Beach. The Bass Museum was started by John and Johanna Bass in 1962 when they donated their large collection of art to the city of Miami Beach. It's located in a symmetrical building that was once the public library in Miami Beach.
Most attractive to the tourists are their ever-changing temporary exhibits. One of the most popular was the show where Christo, a famous artist, wrapped the barrier islands close to Miami Beach with pink fabric. Summertime brought two excellent Haitian art exhibits. You'll see famous paintings, tapestries and sculptures by many famous artists. Films, symposiums and lectures are very exciting and regular at the Bass Museum of Art as well.
Bass Museum of Art has some outstanding permanent collections you'll find very interesting. Although they are more traditional than many of the other exhibits you'll see, you'll love viewing them. A 15th century altar piece by Sandro Botticelli is one of the works you'll see as well as a Peter Paul Rubens masterpiece. If you enjoy looking at cherub-cheeked babies, you'll see plenty of these along with Dutch master paintings and Rococo portraits. Some of the upcoming exhibits you can expect to see are Picasso, Calder and Matisse tapestry works. The museum has two floors with ramps decorated with Flemish 16th Century tapestries decorating them.
The Bass Museum of Art is open Tuesdays through Sundays for certain hours, but are available for tours. They have a nice little gift shop that offers many postcards, souvenirs and Latin American art.
