Last Updated on September 7, 2022
Are you interested in learning more about other cultures and traditions? Look no further than the South Florida Folklife Center, part of the HistoryMiami Museum in downtown Miami. Here, you can discover more about the cultures and traditions that make our Sunshine State unique from African American gospel, Bluegrass music, traditional Cuban food, hand-rolled cigars, and more!
As always, if you venture out, make sure to wear a mask, social distance, and also be safe and healthy!
What is the South Florida Folklife Center?
The HistoryMiami Museum, located in downtown Miami, tells the stories of the city through museum exhibitions, art, city tours, education, research, collections, and more! The South Florida Folklife division began in 1986 as a way to help document, preserve, and also present Miami’s arts and culture to the world.
The museum opened its very own Folklife Gallery in 2014 for visitors to the museum to see art, artifacts, performances, demonstrations, and other cultural programs. Visit the gallery in person to learn about cultural traditions unique to Miami.
What Exactly Does Folklife Mean?
A group’s folklife is all of their traditions, activities, music, dance, storytelling, skills, and products. Some examples of folklife you might be more familiar with include quinceañera celebrations, Brazilian samba dances, and also the genre of bluegrass music!
These traditions are learned via word-of-mouth through your family, as well as your community. The folklife is then rooted within the community’s history but also has the ability to change as time goes on.
Do you have a family story that showcases your culture? The Folklife Center would love to know through their Miami Stories initiative. HistoryMiami is dedicated to preserving the stories of Miami both past, present, and also future. Read current stories, as well as submit your own here!
Visiting HistoryMiami
Note: Due to COVID-19, HistoryMiami has updated policies and procedures. They ask that visitors wear masks and maintain social distancing at all times. Review all of their updated policies here before heading out!
Since reopening due to COVID, the museum has updated hours and entrance procedures. HistoryMiami is now open from 10 am – 4 pm on Thursday through Saturday, and Noon – 4 pm on Sundays. Make sure to reserve your ticket online ahead of time! Once you have your ticket you will be able to explore the museum in the two-hour block of your choice.
If you’re a member of the museum, your ticket is FREE! If not, ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under the age of 6. Active-duty military members and their families can also visit the museum for free on Memorial Day through Labor Day! Additionally, if you’re a Miami-Dade County Employee, admission is also free on Thursdays & Fridays. Admission is free for everyone on the second Saturday of each month!
Purchase your online tickets, as well as follow any new changes to their hours or admission plans here!
South Florida Folklife Center Heritage Spotlight Series
In addition, the Folklife Center presents an artist-in-residence series that highlights traditional artists and cultures of the local Miami area. Each year, the museum features two artists or ensembles and share their culture and art via events throughout Miami, school programs, and more!
The group featured currently is the Delou Africa Dance Ensemble! Delou is a group of drummers, musicians, dancers and storytellers showcasing their West African heritage and traditions. Learn more about the ensemble and discover their upcoming events here!
Past residents include ceramic artists, singers, canoe carvers, cooks, dancers, and even more traditions all celebrating their traditions and folklife.
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out: Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami