Miami Culture - There is much cultural activity in Miami and Miami Beach. Granted the district has a reputation for nightlife of the giddy and exciting type but underlying this is a serious cultural streak that has been moving forward apace in the last decade. Opportunities to appreciate the performing arts including theatre and ballet are manifold and there is also the very excellent museums, scientific observation at the many nature parks, art collections and exhibitions, etc leading to a cultural renaissance of some consequence.

Another facet of the Cultural Scene in Miami is the incorporation of the cultural diversity the city offers so that you can have La Rosa Flamenco Ballet, Afro Haitian drumming and many other Hispanic themed delights this is where Florida meets South America.

Proof of the increased cultural activity in the performing arts scene is the planned $244m Performing Arts Center complete with a ballet and opera house, black box theatre and an excellent concert hall. Two of these venues will seat over 2000. Due to have opened in 2005 it’s opening is now due in 2006. When it arrives it will be an amazing addition to the already many theatres and concert halls in Miami – architecturally it is stunning and will be an icon for entertainment along the east coast.

At present Miami is home to Miami City Ballet, one of the best in the United States which has achieved an international reputation. The New World Symphony Orchestra and the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra has also enjoyed a world wide status for many years while the Florida Grand Opera based in Miami is gaining influence all the while.

Culture is being fostered in the many ethnic neighbourhoods in Miami and the heritage of a long history is demonstrated in regular events locally. If you can plug into one of these street festivals or shows do, they are great fun and give you a sense of the diverse heritage of Miami City.

So when you visit Miami make sure to check out the cultural aspects of this city – whether it is in one of the more prestigious Theatres, an Art exhibition, or a show in one of the many local venues. Miami also offers opportunities to see touring international talent – singers, dance, artistes.

There is also an Art in Public Places programme – did you notice the Harmonic Runway sound/colour show at Concourse A in Miami Airport or the fancy coloured shuttle buses on Washington Avenue – all part of this programme.

As home to the Florida Grand Opera, the New World Symphony, the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, and a planned new Art Gallery in the University, Miami’s cultural life is very much alive and kicking. The local newspapers are a good way for visitors to find out what is on. See also Miami Theatres.