During my recent trip to Miami, while Jon attended a conference in Brickell, I had the pleasure of exploring this vibrant financial hub. We were staying at the luxurious Four Seasons, a treat as we don’t usually indulge in 5-star hotels. The room was fantastic, offering ample space, a lavish bathroom, and stunning views of Brickell. The hotel’s access to the Equinox gym and a beautiful rooftop pool was a definite perk, allowing for some relaxation amidst my explorations.
Brickell, Miami’s bustling financial district, reminded me a bit of home with its towering skyscrapers and condos, but with a distinctly Miami twist – palm-lined sidewalks and a refreshing, cleaner atmosphere. The efficient above-ground public transportation made navigating the area a breeze. While Brickell sits on Biscayne Bay and lacks a beach, making South Beach a preferred choice for a beach-focused vacation, Brickell offers its own unique urban charm.
Image alt text: Luxurious hotel room at Four Seasons Brickell, Miami with spacious layout and city view.
Image alt text: Elegant bathroom in Four Seasons Brickell hotel room featuring modern fixtures and ample space.
While Jon was occupied with his conference, I ventured out to discover Brickell’s hidden gems. My Monday exploration led me to the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (a story for another post!), and it was there that a fellow traveler recommended a unique spot: a dog sculpture park. Intrigued, I hopped on the Metrorail the next day, enjoying the scenic ride north for just $2.25 – a much more economical option than an Uber. From the Metrorail, a pleasant walk along the promenade near the cruise port brought me closer to my destination, passing by the Kaseya Center, home of the Miami Heat basketball team.
Image alt text: Palm tree lined sidewalks in Brickell, Miami, showcasing modern skyscrapers and urban landscape.
The sculpture garden I was seeking is nestled within Maruice A. Ferre Park, conveniently located near the Perez Art Museum and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Although the art museum was closed on Tuesday, it’s definitely on my list for a future visit. The highlight of my walk was discovering the “Dogs & Cats Walkway & Sculpture Garden,” a whimsical art installation brought to life by fifty talented local artists. This charming collection features vibrant sculptures of 26 dogs and 26 cats, each accompanied by a description and history of its breed. Interestingly, this public art project sparked some controversy due to its nearly $1 million taxpayer funding without competitive proposals.
Image alt text: Colorful dog sculpture in Miami’s Dogs & Cats Walkway, showcasing public art in Maurice A. Ferre Park.
Image alt text: Collection of vibrant cat sculptures in the Dogs & Cats Walkway & Sculpture Garden in Miami.
As a devoted dog lover, I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the sculpture park. It was fascinating to observe each artist’s individual interpretation of the breeds, expressed through diverse colors and artistic styles. The creativity and playful designs made each sculpture a delightful surprise.
Image alt text: Close-up of a uniquely designed dog sculpture, highlighting the artistic creativity within the Miami walkway.
Image alt text: Artistic rendering of a cat sculpture with vibrant colors and unique design in Miami’s sculpture garden.
Beyond the captivating sculptures, I also appreciated the park’s serene atmosphere and waterfront views. The sight of luxurious boats bobbing in the water was certainly enviable!
Image alt text: Waterfront view from Maurice A. Ferre Park, Miami, with luxury boats docked in the bay.
Interestingly, I noticed a sculpture reminiscent of Jaume Plensa’s work in New Jersey. This particular piece, titled “Awilda,” overlooks the Port of Miami, adding another layer of artistic interest to the area.
Image alt text: “Awilda” sculpture by Jaume Plensa overlooking the Port of Miami, a prominent public art piece.
On my way back, I caught sight of the Freedom Tower, a significant landmark in Miami, currently undergoing renovations. This historic building played a crucial role in housing Cuban refugees during the Cuban Revolution. Today, it stands as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, housing an art gallery and the offices of Miami Dade College.
Image alt text: The historic Freedom Tower in Miami, a U.S. National Historic Landmark and undergoing renovation.
My walk also took me through Bayside Marketplace, but its touristy atmosphere prompted a quick walk-through before heading back to the Metrorail and returning to the hotel.
Image alt text: Bayside Marketplace in Miami, a popular tourist destination with shops and restaurants.
The remainder of my day was spent relaxing by the pool and enjoying a good book. Stay tuned for my upcoming post detailing my visit to the magnificent Vizcaya Museum & Gardens!
Image alt text: Relaxing poolside at the Four Seasons Brickell hotel in Miami, enjoying leisure time.
