Rubell Museum Miami — A Private Collection Opened to the Public

At a Glance

The Rubell Museum in Miami's Allapattah district opens the private collection of Don & Mera Rubell—around 7,200 works assembled over six decades—to the public. Known for buying young artists early, the Rubells have become one of Miami's most quoted private institutions during Art Basel Miami Beach.

From DEA Warehouse to Museum

The building occupies a former US DEA seized-goods warehouse. In 2019 Selldorf Architects turned two halls into 36 galleries over about 100,000 sq ft. The Rubells had previously shown the collection in Wynwood but moved to Allapattah to escape the district's commercial pressure—a decision that has since reshaped Miami's contemporary-art axis.

Must-See Works

• Jean-Michel Basquiat — early paintings and drawings acquired when the artist was barely in his twenties.
• Keith Haring, including his subway drawings.
• Kara Walker — monumental silhouette installations that finally have the space they deserve.
• Kehinde Wiley, Amoako Boafo, Tschabalala Self — a deep and early commitment to contemporary Black artists.
• Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room — open on a walk-up basis, with far shorter waits than at other museums.

Visiting Tips

Try to join a curator-led tour: labels include Don and Mera's own purchase notes and artist anecdotes, adding a layer you can't get at state museums. The museum is 15 minutes from Miami International Airport and 10–15 from Downtown or Wynwood. Open Wednesday through Sunday only. The Rubell-owned Basque restaurant Leku on site is the standard follow-up among locals.