Wolfsonian-FIU

In the heart of Miami Beach's vibrant Art Deco District lies a gem of cultural and historical significance: The Wolfsonian-FIU. This unique institution, a museum, library, and research center all rolled into one, offers visitors a fascinating journey through the transformative power of art and design from the late 19th to mid-20th century. With its extensive collection and engaging exhibitions, The Wolfsonian-FIU is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the intersections of art, design, and history.

The Origins of The Wolfsonian-FIU

The story of The Wolfsonian-FIU begins with Mitchell Wolfson Jr., a Miami Beach native and passionate collector of modern design, architecture, and decorative arts. In the 1970s, Wolfson began amassing an impressive collection of rare books and objects, which he initially stored at the Washington Storage Company facility on Washington Avenue. By 1986, with his collection occupying 90% of the facility, Wolfson purchased the building, transforming it into The Wolfsonian Foundation to make his collection accessible to researchers and scholars.

In 1992, architect Mark Hampton, in collaboration with William Kearns, renovated and expanded the historic building, converting it into a sleek, modern museum and research center. The Wolfsonian-FIU opened its doors to the public in 1995, showcasing its extensive collection and offering a new cultural hub in Miami Beach.

Exploring The Wolfsonian-FIU

Visitors to The Wolfsonian-FIU can explore a vast array of objects and artworks that span from 1885 to 1945, a period marked by the Industrial Revolution and the end of World War II. The museum's collection includes furniture, industrial-design objects, glassworks, ceramics, metal pieces, rare books, periodicals, ephemera, works on paper, paintings, textiles, and medals. These pieces illustrate the powerful role of art and design in shaping society and culture during this transformative era.

One of the museum's highlights is its focus on the British Arts & Crafts movement, Dutch and Italian variants of Art Nouveau, American industrial design, and propaganda from the World Wars and the Spanish Civil War. The collection also features objects and publications from world's fairs, New Deal graphic and decorative arts, avant-garde book design, and architectural drawings.

The Building: A Historic Landmark

The Wolfsonian-FIU is housed in the former Washington Storage Company building, a structure with its own rich history. Originally designed by the architectural firm Robertson & Patterson in the Spanish Renaissance style in 1926, the building was expanded in 1936 by architect Robert M. Little. The 1992 renovation added two more floors, creating a seven-story cultural landmark.

The building's ground floor, now the museum's lobby, was initially designed to accommodate cars carrying large pieces of furniture. The first freight elevator in Miami Beach, still in operation, was installed to transport these items to the upper floors. The building's thick concrete walls were designed to keep out humidity and maintain a cool, constant temperature, protecting the stored items from Florida's hot and humid weather.

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions

Since its opening, The Wolfsonian-FIU has showcased both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent galleries on the fifth floor display selections from the museum's extensive collection, while the sixth and seventh floors host temporary exhibitions. These temporary shows often feature contemporary artists and are drawn from both the museum's collection and external sources.

The museum also maintains a teaching gallery at the Frost Art Museum on the Modesto Maidique Campus of Florida International University (FIU) in western Miami. Here, FIU faculty often co-curate exhibitions using items from The Wolfsonian's collection in conjunction with their classes, providing a dynamic educational resource for students.

Community Engagement and Educational Programs

The Wolfsonian-FIU is dedicated to engaging the community through a variety of programs and events. The museum hosts children's programs, lectures, conferences, contemporary art shows, and musical performances, creating a vibrant cultural hub for Miami Beach residents and visitors alike. It also offers fellowships for visiting scholars and researchers, supporting the use of its collections by FIU classes and external researchers.

In recent years, The Wolfsonian-FIU has received significant grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. These grants have enabled the museum to strengthen its ties with FIU faculty and staff, expand its grant programs, and improve access to its collections both physically and online. The museum's strategic plan includes renovating its main building and offsite storage to accommodate future growth and enhance the visitor experience.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the impact of design on society, The Wolfsonian-FIU offers a rich and engaging experience. With its diverse collection, thought-provoking exhibitions, and commitment to community engagement, this Miami Beach institution is a treasure trove of cultural and historical insights. Don't miss the opportunity to explore The Wolfsonian-FIU and discover the powerful stories behind its remarkable collection.