Arts & Culture in Fort Lauderdale

It’s no secret that Fort Launderdale is home to some 25 miles of stunning, pristine beaches, but it’s also a center of culture. On a day when the weather isn’t beach cooperative or when a break from the sun and surf is necessary, check out one (or all) of these cultural institutions for a different Fort Lauderdale experience.

Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
A stunning, modern-art facility, this museum showcases a 6,000-work permanent collection that includes Picasso ceramics, paintings by the CoBrA group of avant-garde European artists, and an extensive collection of work Cuban artists in exile around the world. There are also traveling exhibits, art classes, cafe and wine bar, and bookstore.

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
This fascinating museum documents the traditions and culture of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The museum lives up to its moniker – “a place to learn, a place to remember” – as it tells the story of Florida’s Seminole ancestors through exhibits, artifacts, and reenactments of rituals and ceremonies. Natures trails wind through the 60-acre site, which includes a Seminole village and a cypress swamp. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.

Arts and Culture Center of Hollywood
Housed in a handsome Mediterranean Revival building, this performing- and visual-arts facility presents a wide array of performances and exhibitions. The Center contains a 2,000-plus-seat amphitheater, an indoor theater, workshops, and galleries.

African-American Research Library & Cultural Center
With an extensive collection of Black history books and more books written by Blacks than any other facility in the country, this cultural center strives to promote an understanding and appreciation for contributions from people of African descent. The library contains more than 85,000 books, manuscripts, and artifacts, plus permanent and traveling exhibits and a 300-seat auditorium.

Museum of Discovery & Science/AutoNation IMAX Theater
More than 200 interactive exhibits highlight this museum, which not only appeals to the younger set but also to adults. At Florida Ecoscapes, visitors can get up close to a living coral reef, where sharks, eels, and rays frolic. Visit the Ecodiscovery Center to watch playful North American river otters, take an Everglades Airboat Adventure Ride, and experience hurricane-force winds at the Florida storm center. For a cinematic thrill, head to the AutoNation IMAX and immerse yourself in 15,000 watts of digital surround sound and an 80-foot by 60-foot screen.