(credit: bacfl.org)

While Miami is best known for flashy South Beach, the neighborhood that has truly been continuously growing is the so-called Design District and it’s neighbor, Wynwood. In these two areas alone, there are potentially more than 200 art galleries, with new ones opening and others closing every day it seems. It makes sense then, that some of the best art galleries in Miami would be located here. — Kimberly Porter

David Castillo Gallery

2234 NW 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 573-8110
www.davidcastillogallery.com

David Castillo’s gallery in the Wynwood neighborhood is considered one of the best art galleries in Miami, largely due to the success of its owner. The Miami NewTimes awarded it “Best Art Gallery – 2010.” Castillo keeps a manageable collection from emerging and mid-career artists and works unremittingly at placing his artists’ pieces in the best private and public collections. Although it only opened in 2005, the David Castillo Gallery has put on more than 60 showcases, and many of his artists have received rave reviews from New York Times art critics. Plus, Castillo himself can speak five languages, which means that he can easily communicate with an international audience of art collectors. This contemporary gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and by appointment.

(credit: britto.com)

Britto Central

818 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 531-8821
www.britto.com

Romero Britto is far and away the most famous Miami-based artist. Miami loves to showcase his pieces at many public places, such as malls and the football stadium, because the bright pop art really represents the city well. Though his work is now showcased in many museums and galleries worldwide, the original gallery – Britto Central – is located on Miami Beach’s famous Lincoln Road. It is open to the public Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight.

(credit: bacfl.org)

Bakehouse Art Complex

561 NW 32nd Street
Miami, Florida 33127
(305) 576-2828
www.bacfl.org

With Miami’s Wynwood district thriving and growing continuously, it seems that there is always a new art gallery opening and another shutting down like clockwork. The Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC), however, has been a staple since 1987. In addition to housing exhibition galleries, the BAC also has work studios that include woodworking, ceramics and welding areas, as well as a photo lab. The public can come to view exhibitions daily, from noon to 5 p.m., but the lucky, handpicked artists can gather at any time to work and interact professionally. In addition to seeing the exhibitions, visitors will get a chance to see the artists at work.