Exploring Art and Science at Stop Number 3 on Route 100 Before Miami Beach

Stop number 3, and the last stop before crossing the MacArthur Causeway towards Miami Beach, is a pair of museums, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Perez Art Museum.

Named after a dermatologist turned benefactor, The Frost Museum opened its doors at its present location in 2017, having relocated from its longstanding home across from the Vizcaya estate.  It is known for its Aquarium, Planetarium, and interactive exhibits. The aquarium focuses on the unique ecosystems of South Florida, ranging from offshore coral reefs to the coastal mangrove marshes to the inland Everglades. 

The planetarium within the museum is considered a high-tech marvel, featuring a domed ceiling that provides visitors with a nearly 360-degree immersive experience of the planets and stars, complete with 3D projection, a vivid color palette, and surround sound. It is also a cool spot on a hot, bright summer day! The Planetarium programming ranges from astronomy to entertainment, with recent programming ranging from “Black Holes: the Other Side of infinity to a Laser Evening featuring the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers! 

The museum is located at 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. Hours are generally 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and admission is around $30 as of July 2025. Visit their website for the latest www.frostscience.org

Readers, have you visited before? What was your favorite exhibit?

Adjacent to the Frost Museum, you will find the Perez Art Museum, named after real estate developer turned art collector, Jorge Perez. The art collection is focused on contemporary art with Miami’s unique location in mind. Exhibits focus on Latin America, the US Latino experience, and the Caribbean. 

The striking structure was built by Herzog and de Meuron, a Swiss firm that created a design befitting Miami’s subtropical location. Specifically, the main part of the structure is elevated and has a canopy that creates shady spaces in the outdoor areas. This canopy protects the collection from hurricane-related flooding and gives the patron delightful views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami. 

An added perk--there is a full restaurant, Verde, that, besides excellent coffee and outstanding food,  offers the art museum goer a sophisticated respite from being on one’s feet. 

Perez Art Museum is located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd. Hours are Thursday to Monday, 11-6, open till 9 on Thursday evenings. The museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As of July 2025, admission is $18 per person. Double-check the website at:https://www.pamm.org.

Have you been to the Perez Museum? What is your favorite exhibit, and how was the restaurant? Let us know in the comments.