Perez Art Museum of Miami

TBT - Frost Museum of Science Construction Progress Photos

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science

TBT (June 25, 2014) - 5 years ago the Frost Museum of Science was under construction before it was finally completed in May 2017. Groundbreaking occurred February 2011.

Located in Museum Park along with the Perez Art Museum of Miami, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science broke ground in February 2011.

The 250,000 square foot museum was designed by Grimshaw Architects and will feature outdoor landscape, a 600,000 aquarium, a full dome 3-D planetarium and cafes. Phillip and Patricia Frost generously donated $35 million to the museum in 2011. 

Once completed, the science museum, art museum and museum park are expected to transform Downtown Miami into a cultural arts hub.

Construction is expected to be completed sometime in 2015.

Below are construction progress photos.

Frost Museum of Science Construction Progress Photos

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science

Located in Museum Park along with the Perez Art Museum of Miami, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science broke ground in February 2011.

The 250,000 square foot museum was designed by Grimshaw Architects and will feature outdoor landscape, a 600,000 aquarium, a full dome 3-D planetarium and cafes. Phillip and Patricia Frost generously donated $35 million to the museum in 2011. 

Once completed, the science museum, art museum and museum park are expected to transform Downtown Miami into a cultural arts hub.

Construction is expected to be completed sometime in 2015.

Below are construction progress photos.

Perez Art Museum of Miami Construction Progress Photos

Perez Art Museum of Miami Under Construction

Formally located in downtown and known as the Miami Art Museum, the Perez Art Museum of Miami (PAMM) is part of the 20 acre Museum Park. Located at 1103 Biscayne Boulevard PAMM has incredible views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne from inside and outside the building.

Designed by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron, the $220 million building has 200,000 square footage with 120,000 square feet of interior and 80,000 square feet of outdoor space. The museum feature incredible works of art from all over the world and features its increbdile hanging gardens on the exterior of the building.

PAMM was financed by $120 million in private funding and $100 in taxpayer money. Miami developer Jorge Perez donated $40 million in money and art to the museum.

The building was completed in time in December 2013 for Art Basel. 

Below are construction progress photos of the building.

The Evolution of Bicentennial Park to Museum Park

Downtown Miami From Bicentennial Park

Downtown Miami From Bicentennial Park

Originally, before it was Museum Park or Bicentennial Park, the land was the location of the Port of Miami. 

In 1960, the City of Miami bought the land, but it wasn't until 1974 that the Miami City Commission approved plans for Bicentennial Park. 

After the Port of Miami moved to Dodge Island, Bicentennial Park was created from the old dock slips and finally opened in 1976.

From 1986 until 1993 the Grand Prix of Miami was held at Bicentennial Park. The lined barriers from the track were still visible until the construction of Museum Park.

Over the years Bicentennial Park began to deteriorate due to lack of upkeep and complaints of poor design. The homeless began to sleep in the park after a judge ordered the city to give them a place to stay.

Bicentennial Park hosted many events over the years including the popular Ultra Music Festival, but residents craved a new updated park.

The plans for Museum Park finally came into fruition and $10 million was given for improvements to the park. On the Northern section of the park is the recently completed Perez Art Museum of Miami and the Frost Museum of Science, which is expected to be completed in 2015. 

Museum Park opened on June 14, 2014 (Photos can be seen here) and is a vast improvement over Bicentennial Park. Hopefully the park will be maintained over the years and does not become another Bicentennial Park.

Below are photos of Bicentennial Park over the years to Museum Park.

Exploring The Soon To Open Museum Park Miami

Museum Park Miami

As part of the construction of Perez Art Museum of Miami and the Patricia and Phillip Museum of Science, Museum Park got a complete revamp from when it was Bicentennial Park.

The near completed park sits next to Biscayne Bay and is located next to the American Airlines Arena separated by a boat slip, which David Beckham wants to use for his MLS soccer stadium. 

The landscaping and construction on Museum Park has progressed quickly, even from three weeks ago when the park looked like this

The park is surrounded by many palm trees and even has trees that were moved from Brickell City Centre. 

There are many park benches and bike racks for people to be able to enjoy. When sitting on one the benches, the park offers spectacular views of Watson Island, South Beach, Port of Miami, Downtown Miami and the "Biscayne Wall." In the morning or at night Museum Park is a great spot to watch the cruise ships come in and out of the port. 

Sculptures that were part of Bicentennial Park have been included in the new Museum Park including the El Nuevo Mundo sculpture, which has been moved to the front entrance of the park. 

With the addition of the Perez Art Museum of Miami and Frost Museum of Science, Museum Park should be a welcome addition to residents and tourists of Miami.

The official opening is expected to be June 14.

Current Museum Park and Museum of Science Photos

Museum Park Overlooking Biscayne Bay

Museum Park Overlooking Biscayne Bay

The landscaping is coming along quickly at Museum Park. They have added palm trees, grass, walking paths and benches to the park. It should not be too much longer until the park officially opens. 

Museum Park overlooks Biscayne Bay and is right next to the Pérez Art Museum, which just opened in December 2013 and the Patricia and Phillip Museum of Science. The science museum is still under construction and is expected to be completed sometime in 2015. 

It is interesting that while the science museum is being built, the Miami Herald Building is being knocked down right across the street.