The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, located on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus of Florida International University, has become one of South Florida’s most important cultural destinations. What began in 1977 as a modest gallery space of under 3,000 square feet has grown into a dynamic institution with local, national, and international impact. Over the decades, the museum’s steady expansion and innovative programming earned it the designation of a Major Cultural Institution by both the State of Florida and Miami-Dade County, a recognition that underscores its role as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity.

Accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1999 and named a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2001, the Frost Art Museum has continually elevated its standards in both exhibitions and community engagement. The decision in 2003 to rename the museum in honor of Patricia and Phillip Frost followed the groundbreaking of a bold new facility, which opened to the public in 2008. Designed by Yann Weymouth of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK), the 46,000 square-foot building is a striking addition to FIU’s Avenue of the Arts, offering expansive galleries and versatile spaces for learning and gathering.

The museum’s programs range from innovative exhibitions that bring global perspectives to Miami, to lectures and educational outreach initiatives that reflect the cultural diversity of South Florida. Its commitment to accessibility is evident in its policy of free admission, made possible through sustained support from state agencies, private donors, and corporate partnerships.

Today, the Frost Art Museum stands as a symbol of artistic excellence and inclusivity, a place where visitors of all backgrounds can explore creativity, engage with new ideas, and connect with the power of art. It continues to shape Miami’s cultural landscape while serving as a resource for FIU students and the wider community.