Miami is full of hidden gems you might not know of… and we are here to add more to your list! The art scene on campus offers far more than you’d expect. With multiple avenues to dive into your creativity journey, there is no question about how to celebrate your artistic side!
Center for the Performing Arts
In between Hiestand Hall and the Art Building, the Center for Performing Arts is home to the Department of Theatre and offers two beautiful theaters and various production spaces within. The Gates-Abegglen Theatre and W. Paul Zimmerman Experimental Theatre (Studio 88) host external and student productions throughout the academic year. Students also regularly use the state-of-the-art classrooms including the acting studio, design studio, and playwriting and lighting labs. Regardless of prior knowledge or your major, there are several courses available for you to exercise your creative side within the performing arts! Check Miami’s events calendar to find upcoming shows!
Department of Music
Miami’s Department of Music is home to many musical education and performance opportunities. With four vocal and eight instrumental ensembles, students can practice their passions outside of the classroom, performing in various public venues on campus and around the Oxford area. That means there are plenty of opportunities for concerts around campus! Many groups use the large stage within Hall Auditorium, located next to King Library, for weekend shows and concerts (often free for Miami students)! From opera to chamber singers and from jazz or symphony to laptop (yes, laptop!) ensembles, there’s something for everyone! Again, check Miami’s events calendar to find upcoming shows!
Museums and Galleries
Spanning centuries and continents, Miami museums and galleries offer an immersive way to experience art right here on campus. There are two incredible spaces you should check out if you’re interested in exploring new art: the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum and Hiestand Galleries.
The Richard and Carole Cock Art Museum is located on Western campus surrounded by three acres of sculpture park grounds. Five galleries feature rotating exhibitions with a collection of over 17,000 objects from around the world, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works of art and even student pieces. Some classes through the Miami Plan may take you to the museum, but you should really make time to make it over there on your own, too. Admission to the art museum is always free!
Give the art museum a follow on Instagram! It is the easiest way to stay up-to-date on everything you need to know about upcoming exhibitions, programs, classes, and more. You can even take a quick tour before you visit by watching our Reel and TikTok!
Located in Hiestand Hall, across from Central Quad, the Hiestand Galleries is another campus space that features changing exhibitions for public viewing. You’ll find a wide range of artistic styles and mediums by national and international artists and designers hosted in these galleries. Undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Art also use these spaces for their work in BFA and MFA shows.
Whether you are a creative connoisseur or have never given the right side of your brain much exercise, our campus has so many options to engage in the artistic world around you. Miami’s resources are at the tip of your fingers. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience it!
– Kenzie Abodeely, Class of 2024
