Discover the Surprising Fort Lauderdale Art Scene

When you think of Fort Lauderdale, I bet images of sandy shores and sunny days spring to mind. The beach may draw you to this city, but the art scene will make you want to extend your stay. Take a break from the beach during your Florida vacation to explore the incredible Fort Lauderdale art scene.

(Top photo: sepavone, Depositphotos.com. Bottom photo: Peter Vahan)

FATVillage

The Flagler Arts and Technology Village, a.k.a. FATVillage, is a stretch of formerly a neglected warehouses that have been reimagined to become Fort Lauderdale's go-to spot for arts and entertainment. The funky FATVillage boasts art galleries, art studios and creative businesses. Even the local coffee house and barbershop have partnered with local artisans to create intriguing places to sip a latte or get your hair snipped. From handcrafted household goods to elegant sculptures and beautiful paintings, go here to peruse art at a wide range of price points.

On the last Saturday of each month, FATVillage opens its warehouse doors and welcomes people of all ages (and their pets!) to a nighttime art walk. Come roam from studio to studio to take in the art displays, indulge in live music and food, and just maybe purchase some appealing art. After a day enjoying a Florida beach day, families with teens will especially enjoy the hip feel of the FATVillage Art Walk.

Can't make it to Art Walk? The FATVillage office and FAR Gallery have walk-in hours Wednesday through Friday 1 – 5 pm. Plus, there are a lot of companies in FATVillage that have normal business hours during the week. Take a look at this list of FATVillage businesses.

FATVillage Art Walk (Photo credit: FATVillage.com)

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Spend a day strolling the bustling Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, which extends the length of New River. This birthplace of Fort Lauderdale was home to the Seminole Indians prior to becoming an important trading post between the Seminole people and settlers. A stroll through Riverwalk is like waltzing through a living art masterpiece, replete with attractive cafes, boutiques, cultural attractions and palm trees aplenty.

Riverwalk is also home to Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, an open-to-the-public 35-acre 1921 courtyard-style waterfront home surrounded by ponds with bonnet water lilies and tropical gardens. Meanwhile, history buffs will be interested in the Historic Stranahan House Museum. This is Fort Lauderdale's oldest surviving structure, built in 1901 by the city's founding father. It's open daily for guided tours at 1, 2, and 3 pm.

For transportation around the Riverwalk Performing Arts District, Sun Trolley Fort Lauderdale offers a free land or water trolley. Water taxis are also widely available.

The beautiful River Walk Fort Lauderdale (Photo credit: jovannig, Depositphotos.com)

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Broward Center for the Performing Arts is the anchor of the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, offering up theatrical and musical performances including Broadway shows. Look for Family Fun shows, which are performed at kid-friendly hours and include pre-show activities. Children will love that they conclude with a sweet treat. Explore the riverfront boardwalk before the show to give young legs a chance to run off energy.

Broward Center also provides educational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Children age 3+ and adults can enroll in an impressive array of creative classes here. Take a look at their class offerings before your Fort Lauderdale vacation. You just might find a short-term “Intensive” workshop that matches the dates of your visit.

Take in a show at Broward Center for the Performing Arts (Photo credit: Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB)

Downtown Hollywood, Florida

Drive about 20 miles south of Fort Lauderdale to explore Hollywood, Florida‘s picturesque, art-focused downtown. Boasting its own art walk, Hollywood is a town reminiscent of old Florida. It's worth the journey for live performances of jazz, pop-up shops, and a bevy of food trucks.

The Yuhmi Collective for the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project (Photo Credit: Peter Vahan)

During my visit, I was treated to a tour of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. This collection of curated murals adds flare to downtown Hollywood and draws art lovers to the area. Vibrant oversized murals created by local, national and international artists appear on the sides of local businesses. Appreciate the imaginative murals while enjoying a self-guided stroll through Hollywood's tree-lined downtown. Better yet, join a free tour every third Saturday at 6 pm at Anniversary Park to learn about the artists and history of the project.

Artist Diana Contreras painting a mural for the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project (Photo credit: Jill Weisberg)

MAC Fine Art Gallery

Fort Lauderdale art seekers will relish a visit to MAC Fine Art Gallery. The MAC's impressive 12,000-square-foot space is the largest in South Florida. Despite its reputation for flawless service and as a go-to locale for serious art collectors, this gallery does not feel stuffy or imposing. I appreciated the knowledgable staff who guided us through the gallery answering questions, and pointing out items of interest. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect place to introduce children and teens to the Fort Lauderdale art scene.

Art installations at the MAC Fine Art Gallery (Photo credit: Steven Brooke)

NSU Art Museum

Families looking for a break from the sun, or a place to while away a rainy day would do well to visit the NSU Art Museum. In addition to temporary exhibitions, the museum's permanent collection contains more than 7,000 works. Educational opportunities are abundant via lectures, films and even a book club. Wine lovers, take note: the museum hosts a monthly Art of Wine & Food Series featuring different wine varietals paired with small bites.

The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale lit up at night (Photo credit: NSU Art Museum Fort Laudedale)

Discovering the vibrant Fort Lauderdale art scene was such a refreshing surprise. Who wouldn't want a beach vacation with a side of artistic beauty and creativity?!

To explore the musical arts while in Fort Lauderdale, check out Friday Night Soundwaves, free weekly concerts offered spring through fall. If you're looking for unusual things to do during your Florida vacation, you need to read all about swimming with manatees, Florida's gentle giants.

Would you like to experience the Fort Lauderdale art scene? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Animal Loving Travel Mama: I was hosted by Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. Travel Mamas did not receive any monetary compensation related to this story. All opinions are mine, as always.