Wolfsonian Museum, South Beach

In the heart of South Beach, along Washington Ave at 10th Street, is a beautifully-curated and interesting museum, the Wolfsonian. Pop into this small yet first-rate museum after lunch. It holds objects from the years 1885-1945, in an attractive art deco building. Just the way things are laid out is pleasing to the eye and invites one to further explore. What is also nice is that objects are not separated into different rooms but furniture or ceramics are displayed together intermingled with posters.

The posters are fascinating- propaganda posters from the world wars, gathered from many different countries. There is a gorgeous stained glass window by Irish artist Harry Clarke depicting Irish authors. One area displays furniture from Modern Decorative Arts movements, that tried to counteract the ugly designs appearing due to mass production. The wrought-iron gate in this area by Alessandro Mazzucotelli is lovely.
In the lobby is an impressive window grille from 1929, conceived for a theater facade in Pennsylvania, made of 100 glazed golden terra cotta tiles. The interior of the elevator is also interesting, with gargoyle-like creatures looking down on you!
This museum was created in 1986 to house objects from the Mitchell Wolfson Jr. Collection of Decorative and Propaganda Arts.
After your visit, take a bike ride on the boardwalk that runs between Ocean Drive and the beach all the way to South Pointe Park.

Directions

The Wolfsonian Museum is located at 1001 Washington Ave, South Beach FL 33139, call (305) 531-1001.
Open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat 10-6. Closed Wednesdays. Open Fri 10-9, Sun 12-6. 
Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children aged 6-18, students with ID, and seniors, and free for children under age 6.
There is free admission from 6-9pm on Friday nights.

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