The building's unique facade was designed to filter UV light to protect art while maintaining high interior brightness.
The museum is an official Smithsonian Affiliate, allowing it to host curated exhibitions from the Smithsonian's vast network.
The institution holds one of the most significant collections of pre-Columbian gold and ceramic artifacts in the United States.
The museum's architecture utilizes a specialized light-filtering system that adjusts based on the intensity of the Florida sun.
The museum serves as the center for the FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts.
The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate institution located on the campus of Florida International University in Tamiami. Its permanent collection emphasizes pre-Columbian artifacts, photography, and contemporary works from Latin American and Caribbean artists. The museum building features an award-winning architectural design by Yann Weymouth, characterized by its distinct lighting system that protects sensitive art while utilizing natural light. The facility spans 46,000 square feet, housing both traveling exhibitions and curated selections from its permanent holdings. It serves as a regional hub for interdisciplinary research and academic engagement with visual arts. The museum is integrated into the university's research mission, frequently hosting rotating thematic displays.
The dramatic, light-filled central atrium staircase.
Visit during the academic semester when student-led gallery tours are more frequent.
Check the online calendar for university-hosted lectures that often coincide with rotating exhibits.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding FIU campus, which features additional public art installations.
Do not attempt to visit on major university holidays or during semester breaks, as the museum may have limited access.
Closed on Mondays and major university holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch artwork; professional photography is permitted but flash is strictly prohibited.
