Enhancing your transit commute with art

Public transit and the arts are integral to enhancing the everyday experience of citizens and creating a vibrant, inclusive community by fostering a sense of place and belonging, improving the aesthetics of public spaces, and providing access to cultural experiences for a diverse population.

Miami-Dade Transit understands this well and through the years has etched the county with various art pieces to reinforce the importance of art in our lives.

Most recently, Miami-Dade Transit unveiled a roadmap to the various works of art on display along the county’s transit system, just in time for Miami Art Week.

Along the Metrorail and Metromover systems, passengers can find some of Miami’s most remarkable public artwork. Among the many treasures aligning the 25-mile dual track Metrorail system, riders will find figures inspired by Greek mythology, a neon sculpture over the Miami River, a mural celebrating the vibrant colors of the tropics, and crystalline representations of marine biology.

Among the vibrant masterpieces found at the 21 Metromover stations are benches made with recycled hurricane debris, a ceramic tile mural created by local high school students, a giant red “M” and a ceramic mosaic featuring the handprints of Miami residents.

Check out the complete guide of the various art pieces throughout Miami-Dade Transit’s system and the artists who created them.

Public transit and the arts through the years 

Historically, some of the most important art movements put on display by Miami-Dade Transit include the Transit Loves the Arts contest, which featured five local artists in 2016 and a live bus painting by local artist David Anasagasti who, in 2019, used a Metrobus as a canvas that was later the talk of the town during Maimi Art Week. 

Other art campaigns include the work of renowned Miami-Dade County artist-in-residence, Xavier Cortada, which was unveiled on the outside and interior of an electric bus to commemorate Earth Day in 2023.
These creative campaigns have been woven into the fabric of Miami-Dade Transit through the years, elevating the value of art and culture in our diverse community. 

Additionally, Miami-Dade Art in Public Places, a program of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, continues to play an important role in defining the urban landscape of Miami and the county’s public transit system. This program serves the community by commissioning artists for art installations dedicated to enriching the public environment and to preserving and enhancing the artistic and civic pride of Miami-Dade County.

So, hop aboard for an enchanting, jovial, sometimes provocative, and always inspiring journey. Take Miami-Dade Transit and enjoy the ride!