New World Center is the home of the world-renowned training orchestra, New World Symphony, a prestigious pit stop for musicians between graduating from conservatory and heading out to major symphonic orchestras. Patrons of the arts can listen to their masterful, classical concerts in the Frank Gehry-designed performance hall or, to the delight of both locals and visitors alike, can alternatively view them on the outdoor WALLCAST, a 7,000-foot projection wall, located on the 2.5 acre campus that is formally called Miami Beach SoundScape Park.
Parking and public transportation at New World Center
Metered street parking and several pay lots are all in the immediate area, although these fill up rapidly on splendid beach days and weekend evenings. The City of Miami Beach-owned 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue garages are usually the best bets. For public transportation, only the MetroBus makes stops nearby, but if you do wind up parking elsewhere on the beach for dinner, you can take the Miami Beach Trolley, which is free (routes depending upon current construction).
Getting tickets at New World Center
Ticket orders can be placed by calling the box office at 1-800-597-3331 or ordering online at the website.
Types of concerts at New World Center
Classical concerts will range in scope through periods and composers from Beethoven to Bartók. Chamber music concerts and weekend instrumental "encounters" for kids are also held regularly. In addition to what the New World Symphony offers, the WALLCAST and SoundScape stage feature special events ranging from jazz concerts to film festival showings to poetry readings.
Other places to visit near New World Center
Lincoln Road Mall, the renowned walking mall, is adjacent just to the south of the campus. Ocean Drive, the heart of South Beach's Art Deco District, and the actual ocean and beaches are a few blocks east. For additional classical culture of the visual arts variety, the Bass Museum of Art is also nearby.
Where to stay near New World Center
Hotels, spas and resorts on Washington and Collins avenues, which neighbor the campus, and on Ocean Drive, are so numerous it can be difficult to decide where to stay. Ranging from mid-level to five-star properties, most of them are redone Art Deco or Mediterranean Revival properties that were originally built from the 1920-1960s. Almost all include chic, popular dining options as well. Some of the most well-known include the Delano, A Morgans Hotel, where Bianca is a contemporary place to dine on Italian fare; The Betsy South Beach, where BLT Steak holds forth; and the SLS Hotel South Beach, where world-renowned chef chef José Andrés runs The Bazaar.
Insider tip for visitors to New World Center
WALLCAST concerts are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket or beach chairs, a picnic and -– in the summertime -– some bug spray for a lovely, inexpensive evening under the stars.
Author's bio: Jen Karetnick has been living in and writing about Miami since 1992. Her latest books are Mango (University Press of Florida, 2014) and Brie Season (White Violet Press, 2014).