Just two more weeks until Art Basel Miami Beach toasts all things contemporary art, and we’re kicking off the party with a bold architectural activation by Christie van der Haak!More Is Morebrings a rainbow of vibrant, vividly colored patterns to The Wolfsonian’s façade and lobby, plus nighttime projections that will light up our north side with additional bold designs by The Hague-based artist. Van der Haak’s project is a contemporary response to the historical works on view in Modern Dutch Design, our winter/spring survey exhibition bringing together rarely seen objects from the collection and special loans representing major Dutch design movements from Nieuwe Kunst to De Stijl. Named for Christie’s installation, The Wolf’s official ABMB party on December 2, MORE IS MORE, will be the don’t-miss event of Miami Art Week for art world insiders, museum and gallery leaders, and culture lovers from around the globe, who will enjoy VIP treatment from 8 to 11pm—all amidst the “pop” of Christie’s signature style.
Special ABMB public hours are listed in full below, with notable changes being that they will be open on Wednesday, November 30 (10am–6pm) to accommodate the crowds and will close early on Friday, December 2 (10am–4pm) for party prep. This means there will NOT be the usual Free Friday evening on December 2. Also, a quick reminder that the museum will be closed to the public on Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24) and Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25).
ABMB 2016 Wolfsonian Public Hours:
Monday, November 28: 10am–6pm
Tuesday, November 29: 10am–6pm
Wednesday, November 30: 10am–6pm
Thursday, December 1: 10am–6pm
Friday, December 2: 10am–4pm
Saturday, December 3: 10am–6pm
Sunday, December 4: 12pm–6pm
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Friday, December 2 | 8–11pm
MORE IS MORE: A Wolfsonian Art Basel Miami Beach VIP Party
Members at the Diplomat level ($250) and up, Art Basel and DesignMiami/ VIP cardholders, and press enjoy this exclusive opportunity to experience Miami Art Week Wolfsonian-style. The evening features cocktails by Bacardi and music by Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra—all against the backdrop of kaleidoscopic designs by contemporary Dutch artist Christie van der Haak.
Membership required // For details or to join, call 305.535.2648.
Saturday, December 10 | 1–4pm
Discovering Design Free Family Day: Let It Snow
Bring your blankets and listen in on the classic tale of Frosty the Snowman (1978), followed by a sweet workshop with local artist Lola the Baker. We’ll provide materials to make your snowflake ornaments and frost your sugar cookies.
Free for children and accompanying adults // RSVP here.
Weekly on Fridays (except Friday, December 2) | 6–6:45pm
Free Friday Evening Guided Tours
Learn more about The Wolfsonian’s collection and related art and design themes during a 45-minute, free guided tour of the permanent collection or temporary exhibitions.
Free and open to the public.
WHAT’S ON VIEW
Through April 16
The Pursuit of Abstraction
In the first half of the twentieth century, many artists experimented with new forms of expression that resisted a secular understanding of the world rooted in rationality and scientific reason. The Pursuit of Abstraction presents works of fine and decorative art that seek to reenchant the modern age through spirituality and mystical experience, drawing on the holdings of The Wolfsonian–FIU, The Jeri L. Wolfson Collection, and The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection of Decorative and Propaganda Arts Promised Gift. #PursuitofAbstraction
Through June 11
More Is More: An Installation by Christie Van der Haak
In wrapping The Wolfsonian’s iconic facade and lobby with her signature tapestry and batik-inspired patterns, The Hague-based contemporary artist Christie van der Haak creates a striking encounter with contemporary Dutch design. Her extraordinary, intricate art bridges the historic focus of our major exhibition Modern Dutch Design with the present day, and mirrors the coexistence of different styles and movements by changing patterns throughout the installation. Paired with nightly projections, van der Haak’s project brings the legacy of Dutch design pioneers into full public view for Miami Art Week 2016 and beyond. More Is More is made possible by Dr. David and Linda Frankel, the Mondriaan Fund, Creative Industries Fund NL, Stroom Den Haag, and AAA Flag & Banner. #MoreIsMore #ChristievanderHaak
Through June 11
During the period 1890–1940, the Netherlands built a reputation—which it still holds today—as a center for innovative design. Modern Dutch Design draws from The Wolfsonian’s extensive collection of Dutch furniture, decorative arts, design drawings, posters and bookbindings, in order to examine the evolution of design in the Netherlands during these decades. The exhibition focuses on how Dutch designers, architects, and artists responded to radical shifts in social and political life, worked to promote international travel and trade, and found inspiration in the cultures of the country’s overseas colonies, as they developed a succession of unique styles. The exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts; the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York; the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami; the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; and the Netherland-America Foundation. #ModernDutchDesign
Through January 22
Inspired by Thoughts on Democracy: Freedom to Vote 2016, this timely library installation of historic ephemera will examine how politically-charged labels such as fascism, communism, and socialism shaped American electoral campaigns of the 20th century.
Through January 29
Visionary Metropolis: Tony Garnier’s Une Cité Industrielle
Tony Garnier’s Une Cité Industrielle (1904–17) is one of the most remarkable attempts to reimagine the modern city. A prominent French architect, Garnier spent more than a decade devising and illustrating in exquisite detail a plan for an urban environment that would foster both social and environmental harmony. Visionary Metropolis includes more than twenty of the plans, design drawings, and illustrations that Garnier produced for this project, demonstrating his ideas about how rational design could mitigate the destructive impacts of industrial development.