Britto Central has enjoyed calling 818 Lincoln Road home for the last 21 years and now looks forward to occupying a new gallery and a new concept store space on the same celebrated tourist destination in South Beach.
Earlier this year the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board approved a complete renovation of the current 818 building. Britto Central gallery will continue to operate within this space through the first quarter of 2016, at which time it will move to 1102 Lincoln Road, a traditional gallery space, and 532 Lincoln Road which will serve as the test grounds for a new concept store with plans of global expansion.
The move to two new storefronts echoes the growth occurring in Miami, and the pedestrian mall itself. A prolific creator, Britto has exhibited his work across four continents, in almost 300 exhibitions and in more than 20 museum shows. As the artist continues to reinterpret the meaning of art and its role in contemporary life, his work and therefore work space also continues to expand exponentially.
Occupying the former “Serendipity” location, 1102 Lincoln Road represents a return to Britto’s roots with a focus on originals works. The high end and upscale environment will truly showcase his vibrant aesthetic as well as his vision and passion for fine art. 532 Lincoln Road on the other hand will showcase collectibles and limited edition fine works in a new store concept.
“I am so very grateful to have this opportunity to fulfill my dreams to not only be able to expand but to also continue to share my art with the world after 20 plus years of opening my gallery,” said the Brazilian-born, Miami-made artist.
After experiencing a warm welcome to the United States, Britto knew he would plant roots in Miami and did with his 1994 opening of the very first gallery on what is now the bustling high-traffic destination of Lincoln Road that we know today, making him a true pioneer.
Throughout its 21 year existence, Britto Central gallery has hosted thousands of collectors from around the globe, from Asia to South America and well across Europe in addition to old friends such as Marilyn Monroe’slast co-star Eli Wallach and his wife, actor and former Governor of the State of California Arnold Schwarzenegger while filming True Lies, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, longtime friend and supporter Paulo Coelho, numerous patrons of the arts including the Arison, Braman, and Slim families to name a few.
Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the City of Miami Beach, and to the community at large, Britto has chosen to remain on Lincoln Road in appreciation of his humble beginnings and acknowledgement to early South Florida supporters. Britto remains loyal to the community by donating his time, art, and resources as he has always done as he strongly believes art is too important not to share.