Hampton by Hilton invited me once again to join its Ultimate Seekender Team this year.
To kick things off we headed to the Wynwood Art District in Miami.

Mural in Wynwood Art District by Gaia
The Wynwood Art District is a great place for art-loving Seekenders of any age.
Feeling like the oldest people in the world, escapees from the leafy suburbs of New York, we awkwardly met “Ryan the Wheelbarrow” and his compatriot Pedro Amos (AKA Amos) on an urban street corner during our recent trip to downtown Miami.

Ryan and Amos, our guides
As two art-loving Seekenders, we joined a small group of tourists assembled for an insider’s walking tour of the Wynwood Art District that was offered by two young, talented spray paint artists who were surely less than half our age.
During the course of our travels, we’ve always loved finding and photographing graffiti and street art in cities around the world. But never had we been exposed to such a concentration of hundreds of spray paintings in one area nor had we had the opportunity to meet the local artists. Wynwood has been called the largest museum in the world.
Here in this working class neighborhood in Miami, colorful, larger-than-life murals cover blocks and blocks of buildings and warehouse walls in the Wynwood Art District. The area was once known as “Little San Juan,” apropos of the large influx of Puerto Ricans who settled here in the 1950s. Now, it has been renamed not only because of the abundance of street art but also because of the scores of galleries and arty one-of-a-kind cafes, bars and boutiques that have sprung up alongside them—revitalizing a depressed neighborhood in the process.

Wall Mural by Shepard Fairey Wynwood Arts District (known for Obama “Hope” poster)
Ryan explained that street art is often commissioned by retail businesses. Other times, artists ask property owners for permission to cover a wall; and sometimes it’s done without asking. Some murals remain for long periods of time; others are soon covered over by other artists. Some spray paintings are signed; others aren’t. Because cans of spray paint aren’t cheap, the cost of creating a large mural can exceed a thousand dollars.

Wall Mural at Wynwood Art District by Chilean artist Claudio Picasso
The works of spray paint artists from 30 different countries are represented in this neighborhood. The Internet has made it possible to memorialize older murals that have disappeared. Some of the paintings themselves are memorials to street artists who have passed away.

Wynwood Gate by French artist, Fafi
Many street artists have legions of Instagram followers. Ryan calls it an “epic movement.”

Boombox mural made famous because it can be seen from I-95, revived by @ChorBoogie and @TrekSix

Also in the Wynwood Art District outside the Gamma Gallery
One of the highlights of the tour was our visit to the Wynwood Walls a curated collection of street art developed by Tony Goldman, who was the visionary leader of Goldman Properties until his death in 2012. Launched in conjunction with Art Basel, the walls of this “outdoor museum” showcase various street artists. A champion of historic preservation in urban communities and “legal” graffiti, Goldman achieved the goal of transforming Wynwood into a “hipster” center for arts and entertainment.

Graffiti art by Retna on a building near the Wynwood Walls
“This neighborhood shows how street art can revitalize a place.”
—Shep Fairey
On Vimeo: Walls of Change: How Art Can Transform a Neighborhood
Walls Of Change from The Cinemart on Vimeo.
IF YOU GO
- The sprawling Wynwood Art District stretches between 20 and 36th Streets—and between North Miami Avenue and I-95.
- There is no admission charge for visiting Wynwood Walls.
- On the second Saturday of each month, visitors can join a free Art Walk.
- Ryan the Wheelbarrow and Pedro Amos offer private walking and bicycle tours for individuals or groups. To find out information, see their website: Miami’s Best Graffiti Guide.
- If you are a clothes lover, be sure to visit the adjacent Miami Fashion District.
Disclosure: I am a member of the Hampton by Hilton Ultimate Seekender team (the only empty nester Seekender) but all opinions expressed in this post are our own.

Hampton by Hilton logo
WHERE TO STAY
Less than 15 minutes from the Wynwood Art District, the priced-right Hampton by Hilton Brickell/Downtown is a perfect place to stay.
- The hotel has a contemporary urban design, spacious rooms and its own art collection. As of today, the hotel was rated #1 on TripAdvisor of 123 hotels in Miami.
- The helpful staff can provide directions to the Wynwood Art District by car or via public transportation.
For additional information about recreational and cultural opportunities in Miami, see:
20 Comments
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
May 8, 2016 at 3:25 amI just love street art. This post is going on my US Pinterest board for next time we are in Florida. It is kind of sweet that the street art tour was offered by guys less than half your age.
Irene S. Levine
May 8, 2016 at 6:12 pmThey were so great! So energetic and enthusiastic, too!
Laura
May 8, 2016 at 6:50 pmWow, very cool! You always find such unique places, Irene. Thanks for sharing.
Irene S. Levine
May 8, 2016 at 7:02 pmI loved this one!
Donna Janke
May 9, 2016 at 9:52 pmThese murals are so cool. I love the one with the three sets of eyes. I will be in Miami in a little over a month. Maybe I’ll have enough time to squeeze in a visit to the Wynwood Art District.
Irene S. Levine
May 9, 2016 at 10:42 pmDefinitely worth a peek! Seeing all the beautiful murals in such large numbers is quite an amazing experience.
Denis Gagnon
May 10, 2016 at 5:34 pmYour colorful photos Wynwood Art District really help make the area feel alive with the Miami vibe and the warmth of the Florida sun! Thanks for a great posting!
Irene S. Levine
May 10, 2016 at 7:43 pmYes, Wynwood is so alive and full of life!
Anita @ No Particular Place To Go
May 11, 2016 at 4:17 amWe’ve been in and out of Miami several times in the last few years but have only seen a few of its memorable sights. I love street art so the Wynwood Art District would be really fun to walk through. I’ll definitely have to schedule a longer layover!
Carole Terwilliger Meyers
May 11, 2016 at 7:45 pmNext time I’m in Miami I’m heading to the Wynwood Art District.
Irene S. Levine
May 11, 2016 at 7:48 pmSo much fun! You’ll love it~
Sand In My Suitcase
May 11, 2016 at 11:08 pmVery cool and colorful art! Looks like you enjoyed a fun “insiders” walking tour :-).
Irene S. Levine
May 12, 2016 at 6:43 amAlways better to tour with a local!:-)
Sue Reddel
May 12, 2016 at 6:22 pmSeekenders! I love it. What a wonderfully colorful exploration of the beautiful street art in Miami. Have to put this on the must-see list.
Irene S. Levine
May 12, 2016 at 7:43 pmI’m always a fan of street art but I’ve never seen a whole neighborhood where it takes center stage.
Janice Chung
May 12, 2016 at 8:35 pmI was so surprised to read how expensive it might be to spray paint a wall…thousands of dollars! But, the work that is produced is amazing. I’m sure more cities areas like the Wynwood Art District and it would be interesting to take a tour.
Cheryl MacDonald
May 13, 2016 at 3:23 pmWe live in Florida and had no idea this was here! Wow! Such amazing talent – and I had no idea that a mural would be so expensive just for the paint…but you’re right, spray paint cans aren’t cheap. I love the energy behind this movement. Thanks for letting us know about this area – we’ll definitely have to plan a weekend visit soon!
Irene S. Levine
May 13, 2016 at 3:26 pmI almost fell over when, too, when I learned about the costs!
Vicki Winters
May 14, 2016 at 5:46 pmSO GLAD I SAW THIS JUST NOW!!! I am headed to Miami for only a few hours tomorrow, and have heard so many great things about Wynwood. Although I actually grew up there, Wynwood was built way after I left. I can’t wait to check it out!!!
Irene S. Levine
May 14, 2016 at 9:57 pmBe sure you have a camera in hand!