With several of our readers expressing doubts (some outright disdain) about the recently revealed design for the new Miami Art Museum, I recommend attending the exhibition at the present day MAM for any of those interested in finding out more.
Although still a work in progress (and the title of the exhibit) there is much to be gleaned from the show, including insights into the process of the architects. One element I was excited to see was the detailed, artful execution for the roof. All of the residents along the Biscayne corridor should be happy to see this, in light how little consideration is usually given to the roof of any building. The American Airlines Arena was good enough to employ a plane graphic making the roof acceptable and advertisement. The new MAM however will read more as a modernist composition from high above. Significant even for planes flying in to MIAMI International Airport. The path of this growing institution gets more and more interesting.
Via the Miami Herald:
”It’s an original Miami building,” said museum director Terence Riley. “It’s not New York; it’s not London. Right away, it has an iconic quality. But what I’m really excited about is that it appears it’s going to be a fantastic museum.”
The design also was inspired by what Riley referred to as a classic example of South Florida ”folk architecture” — Stiltsville.
Inside, visitors will find a museum that does not, in Riley’s words, ”aspire to be a mini-MOMA or a mini-Tate,” alluding to museums with encyclopedic collections of modern art. Rather, Riley wants to build a collection that focuses on specific artists and offers broad overviews of artistic movements.
We’ll be back with some commentary and thoughts once we have the chance to review the plans over the weekend…Stay Tuned…
Click here for the Video…
Having recently attended the Richard Serra exhibit at MoMA, I wanted to talk briefly about what is possible for Museum Park. I realize I have discussed this topic in some detail and I have been very interested in our reader input. The exhibit at MoMA was spectacularly attended, despite being mid morning on a weekday. The well designed museum, however, was able to accommodate the throngs of visitors quite well. Miami Art Museum will obviously never be the MoMA, but the visit did re-affirm my belief that the museums belong in Museum Park. Unlike MoMA, where there is only the crowded sculpture garden for attendees to recover from museum fatigue, without ending their visit, in Miami visitors will have all of the beautifully re-designed park green space. I fully expect the park to become gloriously utilized.
The energy and vibration of the crowds was astounding. The exhibit continued on the second floor where the sculptures, weighing literally hundreds of tons, seemingly a threat to the structural soundness, were safely on display because even that detail was pre-analyzed and managed by the thorough design team led by Terence Riley. He was not the architect, and he was certainly not the sole force behind the new MoMA, however, I believe that he is largely responsible for the overwhelming success of the construction of the new facility, and the presentation of it, to the world and is now bringing all of that experience to the project at hand, MAM. I think we who love Miami are in for a great civic experience.
As politicians come and go. As towers rise and fall. The elemental qualities of a destination like Miami never cease to be a point of inspiration, desire and destiny for many global citizens. Regardless of the whims of of markets, and the pain of mistakes made along the way, Miami is so uniquely endowed it will perpetually blossom. It begs the opportunity to cause the best.
It’s an eyesore, one of the greatest wasted public spaces in the city (a dubious achievement in a city already notorious for wasting public space,) and a derelict haven for homeless and illicit activity, yet
groups are forming at an alarming rate to
“preserve” this swath of land for what it is.
It’s
Bicentennial Park and the controversy has evolved around the idea of consuming just a fraction of the parks’ acreage to construct new iconic structures for two museums.
The fact that
MNU and members of the
Urban League of Miami have spoken up against the
Museum Park plan is appalling if not downright horrendous.
I quote from the UEL’s Vision statement:
“We see preserved natural resources, increased density in urban areas with sufficient existing infrastructure and along mass transportation corridors within the urban development boundary. There are more greenways, water access, pedestrian friendly parks, improved historic neighborhoods and landmarks still recognizable and protected.”
The Museum Park plan falls in line with everything UEL “stands” for. The Museum Park plan centralizes the museums, within the urban core. They will be located with easy access of public transit and within the region of the city most likely to continue witnessing densification and a renewal in urban life. Most importantly, the museums will present an actual use for the park, making it safe, actually usable, and a destination within its own right. They claim to be fighting for a preservation of green space, but I can’t help ask myself which park they are talking about, take a look at its current state and decide for yourself:
The Plan:
For High Resolution images and a full detail plan of the park, click here… More on this issue later…
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