Containing three cultural resources, this fortresslike 3-acre complex is a downtown focal point. The Miami Art Museum (305/375-3000. www.miamiartmuseum.org) is waiting to move into its new space in Museum Park, which is to be completed in 2010. Meanwhile, it presents major touring exhibitions of work by international artists, focusing on art since 1945. Open Tuesday to Friday 10-5 (until 9 the third Thursday of the month) and weekends noon-5, the museum charges $8 admission ($10 including the historical museum). At the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (305/375-1492. www.hmsf.org) you'll be treated to pure South Floridiana, with exhibits celebrating Miami's multicultural heritage and history, including an old Miami streetcar, cigar labels, and a railroad exhibit, plus a display on prehistoric Miami. Admission is $8 ($10 including the art museum), and hours are Monday to Saturday 10-5, and Sunday noon-5. The Main Public Library (305/375-2665) —open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday 9-6, Thursday 9-9, plus Sunday 1-5 from August to May—contains nearly four million holdings and a Florida Department that includes rare books, documents, and photographs recording Miami history. It also has art exhibits in the auditorium and in the 2nd-floor lobby.
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