Arts and culture in the Sunshine State

The cultural arts scene in Florida is exploding with new theaters and museums, expansions and organizations pursuing new marketing strategies. A few arts organizations are celebrating milestone anniversaries, and gallery districts throughout the state are drawing visitors with special events. A roundup of some of the cultural happenings around the state:

Art Gallery Districts

Miami

Galleries and shops stay open late and stage special exhibitions during Art + Design Night, held every month in Miami's Design District.

» The Wynwood neighborhood is now considered one of the burgeoning arts districts in the state. Tony Goldman, the real estate maven and art lover who jump-started the revival of South Beach, has spent $35 million on 25 properties, hoping to create a thriving arts hub. The Wynwood Art District extends approximately from I-95 on the west and Biscayne Boulevard on the east and runs from 20th to 36th Street. It is home to more than 50 galleries, four museums, numerous arts complexes and artist studios, as well as an increasing array of satellite fairs affiliated with Art Basel. A highlight is Wynwood Walls, an outdoor street art museum with large murals and metal works. On the second Saturday of the month from 7 to 11 p.m., the area hosts a gallery walk, which is free and open to the public.

» Just to the north of Wynwood in Midtown, Miami's Design District spans about 18 square blocks and is a collection of primarily old low-rise warehouses that have been converted into design showrooms, retail spaces, more than 130 art galleries, restaurants and cafes. One of the largest developers in the Design District, Craig Robins, plans to bring 40 to 50 luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton to the neighborhood by 2014, competing with long-established Miami shopping areas such as Lincoln Road and Bal Harbour Shops.

» Next page: Arts Districts in Delray Beach and St. Petersburg.