The Betsy – South Beach Unveils Permanent Digital Art Program on The Orb
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
The Betsy – South Beach, an internationally recognized boutique Michelin Key hotel, has launched a permanent, year-round digital public art program on its iconic architectural landmark, "The Betsy Orb." Transforming the structure into a dynamic canvas, the new initiative will showcase commissioned digital works by global contemporary artists 365 days a year.
A Technological and Architectural Marvel
Designed by architect Allan T. Shulman and Betsy co-owner Jonathan Plutzik during the hotel's 2016 expansion, the egg-shaped Orb functions as a sculptural installation, an interior gallery space, and a functional bridge connecting the historic Betsy Ross and former Carlton hotels. Tucked away in the restored alleyway at 14th Place between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, the structure now features a state-of-the-art immersive digital projection system.
The newly installed Christie Jazz Series 1DLP laser projector delivers 17,800 lumens of high-contrast, deeply saturated color. Precisely calibrated to the Orb’s spherical geometry, the technology ensures that the immersive artworks conform seamlessly to its curvature without spilling over onto the adjacent buildings.
“The Orb presents a remarkable curatorial opportunity, allowing The Betsy to champion the emerging power of digital immersive art and move the hotel’s longtime gallery program outside into the light,” said Lesley Goldwasser, co-owner and art curator of The Betsy.
Upcoming 2026 Programming Lineup
As with all exhibitions and cultural programming at The Betsy, the Orb projections are free and open to the public.
Debuting next is “The Gooooaaaaal is Love,” a monumental cinematic work by local transmedia artist dNASAb. On view throughout June and July, the immersive installation is inspired by the upcoming FIFA World Cup games in Miami. Presented in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation CreARTE program, the piece merges live-action filmmaking, generative media, and immersive storytelling to explore the passion behind the world’s most beloved sport.
“We are excited to work with our local foundation partners... commissioning one of the region’s outstanding emerging visionaries in this space to celebrate the FIFA World Cup — on a canvas shaped like a soccer ball!” added Plutzik.
The confirmed artist lineup for the remainder of 2026 includes:
August: Digital artist and curator Carl Phillipe Juste collaborates with Miami-based, internationally acclaimed artist Edouard Duval-Carrié to create a projection inspired by the ‘Global/Borderless Caribbean’ exhibition.
October: RISD-trained motion designer Laura Paresky Gould, the creator of Miami Color Theory, will debut a new work.
November: Filmmaker and video artist Juan Carlos Zaldivar will present a new piece based on Hummingbird.
December: The Betsy will partner with the City of Miami Beach’s No Vacancy program to commission a final new work for the year.
Culinary Pairings
Guests and visitors inspired by the digital art can extend their experience at The Betsy’s highly regarded dining destinations located just steps from the installation. The Alley offers a trattoria-style pizzeria led by acclaimed Chef Laurent Tourondel, alongside La Ventanita, a walk-up window serving freshly brewed coffee, house-made gelato, and crepes.
For a more refined dining experience, LT South Beach presents a casually elegant New American menu. Diners can even finish their meal with an artistic nod to the installation by ordering ‘The Dessert Orb,’ a delicately crafted chocolate confection.
For more information on “The Betsy Orb,” visit The Betsy Hotel.