The Annual Miami Gala

The Opening Monday of Miami Art Week

Each DecemberOpening MondayArt Basel Miami Beach

One evening, before the week begins — collectors, museum leaders, patrons, designers, artists, and cultural figures come together for conversation and celebration.

Miami Art Week offers no shortage of extraordinary events. We believe there should also be an occasion dedicated to the many professionals whose excellence helps make contemporary art possible.

The occasion is simply an opportunity to celebrate that expertise and make space for it in the conversation.

By invitation only

The Academy of Contemporary Art Gala dinner under a vast illuminated rotunda ceiling, with guests seated at candlelit tables

Civic Support

Mayor Steven Meiner of Miami Beach delivered the opening remarks at the Academy Gala

Mayor's Address

Last edition — Miami Beach

Mayor Steven Meiner addresses the room at the Academy Gala — Mayor Steven Meiner addresses the room

At the most recent edition, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner addressed guests and spoke about the role of cultural initiatives in Miami Beach.

"The Academy represents exactly the kind of entrepreneurial spirit and cultural vision we want in Miami Beach."

Official portrait of Mayor Steven Meiner

The Hon. Steven Meiner

Mayor of Miami Beach

The Academy extends its gratitude to Mayor Meiner and the City of Miami Beach for joining us at the most recent edition and for their continued support of the institutions, artists, and art professionals who contribute to Miami Beach's cultural life.

Mayor Meiner's address — Academy Gala

Mayor Steven Meiner on the Academy of Contemporary Art Gala red carpet — Mayor Meiner on the Academy red carpet

In the Press

The Academy, in print

International press has recognized the Academy Gala among the notable events of Miami Art Week. Each December, approximately 150 invited guests come together at the start of the week for conversation and celebration.

Vogue

The Most Unforgettable Parties of Art Basel Miami

Vogue — Art Basel Miami: A Guide to the Week's Most Unforgettable Parties, featuring the Academy of Contemporary Art Gala — Artist Mickalene Thomas and CNN host Cari Champion at the Academy Gala.

Featured in

"From the Serpentine's Breakfast to the Academy of Contemporary Art Gala — the most iconic moments of the week that transformed Miami into a total celebration of art and luxury.

Vogue

Vogue — Feature

The Most Unforgettable Parties of Art Basel Miami

VOGUECulture

FashionBeautyCultureLivingRunway

Culture · December

Art Basel Miami: A Guide to the Week's Most Unforgettable Parties

From the Serpentine's Breakfast to the Academy of Contemporary Art Gala — the events that transformed Miami into a total celebration of art and luxury.

Featured

The Academy of Contemporary Art Gala

Opening night, Miami Art Week

Kicking off Miami Art Week, the inaugural Academy of Contemporary Art Gala gathered collectors, artists, and patrons at The Paris Theatre for a black-tie evening dedicated to honoring excellence in contemporary art.

Among the week's most iconic moments, the Academy's Gala established itself as a quiet ritual — a defining opening to the days that follow.

Behind every moment was the excellence of the professionals working behind the scenes — whose craft and dedication brought the evening to life with flawless precision.

As featured in Vogue — Art Basel Miami Beach

The Hollywood Reporter

Top 10 Best Events at Art Basel Miami

THE HOLLYWOODReporter

Art & Culture

NewsLifestyleArtAwardsCulture

Lifestyle · December

Top 10 Best Events at Art Basel Miami

A definitive guide to the week's most essential occasions — from museum openings to the private dinners shaping the conversation.

N° 01

The Academy of Contemporary Art

Black Tie Gala and program

When: Dec. 4
Where: The Paris Theater, Miami Beach

WhatKicking off Miami Art Week, this landmark occasion marks the formation of the Academy, underscoring its commitment to honoring excellence in contemporary art.

The Academy of Contemporary Art brings together contributors worldwide who actively participate in the evolution of the industry.

As featured in The Hollywood Reporter — Miami Art Week

The Evening

An annual occasion at the opening of Miami Art Week

The Academy was founded on a simple observation: contemporary art depends on countless individuals whose contributions often remain outside public recognition. The gala is a yearly occasion to begin shifting that conversation.

Held on the Monday that opens Miami Art Week, the Miami Gala has become a quiet ritual at the start of the week — the moment the international art community arrives in the city, before the fair floor opens and the calendar fills.

It is an intentionally intimate evening: a seated dinner, a stage, and a room united by a shared appreciation for the expertise that makes contemporary art possible.

When

Monday of Miami Art Week

Where

Paris Theater, Miami Beach

Format

Seated dinner and program
by invitation only