The History of Wynwood: One of Miami's Most Fun Neighborhoods
Updated: Aug 20
In many cities, wall art can get you into legal trouble. That’s not the case in Wynwood, the colorful neighborhood in Dade County, Miami. Wynwood has a long history dating back to the early 20th century.
The neighborhood became famous in the 1990s after murals began popping up on abandoned warehouses. Wynwood embraced its unique identity and used it to transform its reputation and economic value.
Today, Wynwood is a popular tourist destination for art lovers, fashion designers, and Instagram models. It is a safe city where you can enjoy a variety of options at the best casino sites in Florida, dine at local restaurants, or feast your eyes on the city’s iconic murals.
A Brief History
The story of Wynwood started in 1917. Two men, Hugh Anderson and Josiah Chaille bought a large chunk of land from Miami City for farming. Soon, Wynwood attracted the working class, manufacturers, and real estate developers.
By 1950, most people in the city worked for local factories and textile manufacturers. Farming took the back seat while manufacturing became the main economic activity in the city.
Little San Juan
Over time, Wynwood attracted a significant percentage of Puerto Rican immigrants looking for greener pastures in Florida. The Puerto Rican community loved this small town so much that they nicknamed it “Little San Juan.”
In the 1960s, the community honored famous Puerto Rican author Eugenio Maria de Hostos by naming the city center after him. Roberto Clemente, a baseball legend of Puerto Rican descent, was also honored with a park after his tragic airplane crash in 1972.
For more than three decades, Wynwood was the melting pot of Latin America. Migrants and entrepreneurs from Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala made the city home.
Crime and Violence
Immigration to Wynwood in the 1970s wasn’t without its problems. Once dominated by peace-loving Puerto Ricans, the city turned into a haven for crime and violence.
Many commercial workers deserted the city in favor of more secure places. Joblessness increased and so did crime. The Miami Herald reports that the streets of Wynwood were often filled with homeless people throughout the 1970s.
In the early 1990s, no investor dared step in "El Barrio. It was so violent that people once demonstrated after a local crack dealer was gunned down by the police.
Insecurity and drugs pushed the working class of Wynwood up north, leaving the city center and downtown cheap and undeveloped. However, something good happened during this time. A new culture was born.
A Massive Outdoor Gallery
Wynwood has the world’s biggest outdoor gallery, spanning 50 blocks and featuring 200+ murals. Unlike most cities, street art is legal and has no sign of ever being criminalized.
Art began appearing in Wynwood in the 1980s. Famous street artists like Purvis Young and Tony Lopez started the movement. Before long, Wynwood became an art district with millions of visitors.
In the late 2000s, Tony Goldman, who famously revived New York's South Beach and Soho districts through art, brought his talents to Dade Country. He persuaded art dealer Jeffrey Deitch to help him create masterpieces on the walls of Wynwood City.
Abandoned warehouses became the perfect canvases for Goldman and his artists. In 2009, Goldman opened the Wynwood Art Walk to rebrand the city with colorful masterpieces.
Many artists have since opened art galleries in Wynwood, some of whom mentor young artists to continue the tradition. Meanwhile, the city became gentrified. New buildings popped up, crime reduced and Wynwood turned into a tourist destination.
Exploring Wynwood: Best Things to Do
Wynwood’s story is one of humble beginnings, struggles, and triumphs. The small neighborhood north of downtown Miami has been a hot spot for Latin American culture. It has also experienced its fair share of crime and drugs.
Despite that, Wynwood fought its bad history through art, hard work, and togetherness. Today, here are some of the best things you can do in the city:
Explore the Wall Art
You may have seen street murals in cities across the country. But you've probably never seen the kind of wall art collection only found in Wynwood. Here, you're one block away from a mural.
The murals are bright and colorful. Each mural has an intricate meaning. It could be a poignant political message, a story about hope, or a psychedelic scene. Some of them, as mentioned, come from famous painters. So, if you love to explore wall art by famous artists, Wynwood should be on your bucket list.
Experience Latin America’s Best Dishes
Wynwood is more than its gorgeous murals. It is a vibrant city populated by different Latin American cultures. If you're a foodie, check out some of the city's best-rated restaurants.
Coyo Taco is the best location for taco fans. The restaurant has a special taco prepared using split-roasted pork, cilantro, salsa Verde, and pineapple that everyone is always raving about.
Buy Souvenirs in the Art Galleries
A trip to Wynwood isn’t complete without a souvenir to take back home. Whether you’re exploring the wall art to take perfect Instagram photos or you’re on a date, look for souvenirs.
Naturally, an art piece is the best souvenir you can buy in Wynwood. However, a T-shirt inspired by local art could also be an excellent souvenir. If you’re lucky, you can have a local art legend sign you’re your souvenir.
Party All Night
After a busy day of gazing at Wynwood's murals, the best way to end your day is to sip cocktails or drink beer at local breweries. Gramps Bar is famed for its food and cocktail menu.
If you love beer, though, Wynwood has a Brewing Company located at the heart of the city. Another great place to spend your evening is at E11, a popular club open 24 hours. It features a DJ and sometimes organizes live music from local and out-of-town artists.
If Wynwood's nightlife feels too quiet, take a cab to Miami City. It's five miles away and offers the best nightlife experience in the entire state.
Comments