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city breaksModern designs in MiamiYou can tell a city has a major crush on contemporary artwhen it fills its baseball arena with the stuff. Miami’sMarlins stadium comes adorned with works by Joan Miró,Roy Lichtenstein and Larry River among others, while aneye-popping 23m-high sculpture by multimedia artist RedGrooms lights up the left field with giant pink flamingosand leaping fish every time the Marlins slug a homer.Miami’s art affair was kick-started more than a decadeago by the arrival of Art Basel Miami Beach, which nowbrings a huge slice of the world’s most prestigious art fairover from Switzerland each December – in the processtransforming Miami’s former image as a party townfocused on the Art Deco-decorated South Beach.Wynwood is the latest hot spot, cramming more than 60galleries into a former industrial district. The coolest wayto explore is the Second Saturdays Wynwood Art Walk eachmonth, when galleries and studios open their doors to thewarm evening air for ambling aesthetes, who refuel on thego at gourmet food trucks gathered by the Wynwood Walls.This permanent outdoor showcase of top street artistsaugments new pieces all around, making this oneof the world’s major street art neighbourhoods.Privately owned art hoards are a unique selling point ofMiami’s art scene. Staying in Wynwood, the Rubell FamilyCollection explores the post-Warhol scene, and iscomplemented by the world-class collection of modernphotography, video, installation and sculpture at theMargulies Warehouse. Just to the south, CisnerosFontanals Art Foundation exhibits a fine collection byphilanthropist-turned-collector Ella Fontanals-Cisneros.A few blocks north, the Design District is a one-timeragtrade area turned luxe hangout. At its heart, the De LaCruz Collection highlights cutting-edge work by the likes ofGabriel Orozco and Ana Mendieta, amid couture boutiquesand chic interior dealers.Art is moving in on the seafront, too. A dramatic newHerzog & de Meuron-designed pavilion is rising onBiscayne Bay, an expanded home for the Miami ArtMuseum that’s due to open in 2013 – a dazzling newart beacon by a cool, blue sea.WHERE TO STAYFor further information andreservations, please visitwww.SummitHotels.comThe mutiny hotelThis Coconut Grove hotel isa 12-storey swathe of coralcolour, while British Colonialmotifs decorate the inside.FOR FOODIESVERSAILLES has provided great-value feasting for 40 years, withplantains and Cuban-style rice partnering delicious meat and seafood.3555 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135Tel: +1 305 444 0240 www.versaillesrestaurant.comJOE'S STONE CRAB features king crab claws as big as your arms,but there are brilliant seafood alternatives and much more.11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139Tel: +1 305 673 0365 www.joesstonecrab.comAREA 31 Michael Reidt's 16th-floor restaurant's fantastic cityviews complement innovative globally influenced cooking.270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131Tel: +1 305 424 5234 www.area31restaurant.comFOR SHOPAHOLICSThe Design District near Midtown has the big-ticket luxe names such asLouis Vuitton, Hermès and Christian Dior. For one-of-a-kind boutiquesand trendy home design, head for Lincoln Road, where you’ll also findcafés that stay open late for shoppers needing a caffeine recharge.Clockwise from far left: The stunning skylineof Miami along Biscayne Bay; a Roberto Behar& Rosario Marquardt creation; WynwoodWalls – a mecca for graffiti and street artists;contemporary art at the Rubell Family Collectionvolume THIRTEEN Summit 49