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Freedom Tower
Freedom Tower
4
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
The Freedom Tower, including The Museum of Art and Design and MDC Special Collections—the Kislak Center, the Cuban Legacy Gallery, and the Exile Experience- are currently closed while we undergo renovations.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
How to get there
- Freedom Tower • 2 min walk
- Park West • 4 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
384 reviews
Excellent
131
Very good
166
Average
74
Poor
11
Terrible
2
Shanice R
Asheville, NC10 contributions
Jan 2021
It makes us smirk as we wish to figure out why someone thought an attempt at Statue of Liberty here in Miami is a good idea.
Written 24 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rene2014123
Miami, FL45 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
I first went in 1962 when I arrived from cuba at the age of 14, then it was known as " El Refugio", this is where all sort of help was rendered to recently arrived Cubans . Clothing, food,work, etc. Do not remember what year , a great Cuban named Jorge Mas Canosa bought it, but before he could turn it into a Cuban museum he died of cancer, what a shame, for this would have been a great Cuban Museum of Exile History and a legacy for our children from the children who came here in the 60's.
Written 14 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alicia M
Miami, FL9 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
I have lived here all my life, but I did not go here to be processed as a Cuban exile, I was born in New York, but I came with family members that would arrive here so that they may be processed. This is a beautiful building and historic, outside. Today my husband and I decided to and visit the Tower, since we heard that it had been sort of restores and turned into a museum. We were only allowed to go to the 2nd floor. That floor was had all white walls, and nothing historic about it. The photographs were great and nice to see. When I went to the reception desk on that floor and asked it there were any exhibitions about the history of the Cuban exiles. The answer was "no".
I understand that it is a free museum to call it historic for the very reason of the Cubans exile and have nothing about it inside the building is disrespect to the Cuban ordeal. i was very upset not to see pictures in the least about the past of this tower. I say have an admission fee and make this a real historic Tower of Freedom.
I understand that it is a free museum to call it historic for the very reason of the Cubans exile and have nothing about it inside the building is disrespect to the Cuban ordeal. i was very upset not to see pictures in the least about the past of this tower. I say have an admission fee and make this a real historic Tower of Freedom.
Written 8 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craigworldwide
Los Angeles, CA24 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
The beautiful building is located from a short walk distance from Bayside Marketplace and the American Airlines Arena, and a short drive from the Port of Miami.
Considered by many as the Ellis Island of the South, the Freedom Tower is one of Miami’s most beloved and famous historic sites. It was once the home of the Miami News then became the processing, documenting and assistance Center for Cuban refugees fleeing Castro’s communist regime in the early 1960’s. After the major emigration ended in 1972, the building was sold to private entrepreneurs and changed owners several times. It remained in private ownership until 2005, when a group of developers deeded the property to Miami Dade College after preservationists opposed the development of a high rise condominium on the historic site. Today it is used as a cultural and educational center featuring interesting exhibits and events.
The Freedom Tower has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and a U.S. National Historic Landmark since 2008. Cuban salsa legend Celia Cruz funeral was held at the Freedom Tower with an unprecedented attendance.
Considered by many as the Ellis Island of the South, the Freedom Tower is one of Miami’s most beloved and famous historic sites. It was once the home of the Miami News then became the processing, documenting and assistance Center for Cuban refugees fleeing Castro’s communist regime in the early 1960’s. After the major emigration ended in 1972, the building was sold to private entrepreneurs and changed owners several times. It remained in private ownership until 2005, when a group of developers deeded the property to Miami Dade College after preservationists opposed the development of a high rise condominium on the historic site. Today it is used as a cultural and educational center featuring interesting exhibits and events.
The Freedom Tower has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and a U.S. National Historic Landmark since 2008. Cuban salsa legend Celia Cruz funeral was held at the Freedom Tower with an unprecedented attendance.
Written 20 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FIUPANTHER
Miami Lakes, Florida134 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
Pictures here on Trip Advisor may not do this building justice but if you have a decent camera - this building is a work of art on its own. This building was once home to a former city newspaper. Later this place also served as a processing center for Cuban exiles. Local community leaders have done a great job at restoring this building. I know that the building is sometimes open for special events and projects but the real beauty is on the outside. Its extremely easy to see this building if you are in the Bayside Marketplace area, American Airlines Arena, and the Port of Miami. I recently went with some family to take pictures, tour the area,etc.
Written 23 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlos A
Coral Gables, FL77 contributions
Feb 2020
When I came from Cuba in the 60's my mother and I got our immigration papers there and were given our monthly allowance of food items. Always be grateful to the US for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to live in the best country in the world.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VHikerChick
albany109 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
I didn't think a two floor museum would hold my interest for 4 hours but it did! I had never heard of operation Peter Pan before so that in itself was worth the entrance fee. I manage programs for refugees and immigrants, so it was interesting to see what the refugees were given upon arrival. The museum was very educational and I highly recommend a visit there!
Written 27 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiamiFL2011
Miami, FL42 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
Free to just look at it from outside. Understand that this "was" the Cuban Ellis island for the first exiles.
It was also the location for the wake of singer Celia Cruz. Over 70,000 people lined the block to pay their respects. People pass this place everyday and have no clue.
It was also the location for the wake of singer Celia Cruz. Over 70,000 people lined the block to pay their respects. People pass this place everyday and have no clue.
Written 26 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margarita S
Miami, Florida34 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
Considered by many as the Ellis Island of the South, the Freedom Tower is one of Miami’s most beloved and famous historic sites. It was once the home of the Miami News then became the processing, documenting and assistance Center for Cuban refugees fleeing Castro’s communist regime in the early 1960’s. After the major emigration ended in 1972, the building was sold to private entrepreneurs and changed owners several times. It remained in private ownership until 2005, when a group of developers deeded the property to Miami Dade College after preservationists opposed the development of a high rise condominium on the historic site. Today it is used as a cultural and educational center featuring interesting exhibits and events.
The Freedom Tower has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and a U.S. National Historic Landmark since 2008. Cuban salsa legend Celia Cruz funeral was held at the Freedom Tower with an unprecedented attendance. The beautiful building is just a short walk from Bayside Marketplace and the American Airlines Arena, and a shirt drive from the Port of Miami. Pick a nice sunny day in tropical South Florida to visit all of these sites. Well worth it!
The Freedom Tower has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and a U.S. National Historic Landmark since 2008. Cuban salsa legend Celia Cruz funeral was held at the Freedom Tower with an unprecedented attendance. The beautiful building is just a short walk from Bayside Marketplace and the American Airlines Arena, and a shirt drive from the Port of Miami. Pick a nice sunny day in tropical South Florida to visit all of these sites. Well worth it!
Written 5 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sevillanitacubanita
Seville, Spain70 contributions
I was "processed" here as a Cuban refugees in 1962. It used to be the Miami News building a long time before that. Now it belongs to Miami Dade College or the City, not sure, but the building has new life now and they have interesting exhibits and events. It is a part of Miami history and easy to visit, right on Biscayne boulevard. Call ahead and find out what is going on.
Written 9 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We took Uber which was definitely the way to move around there in Miami
And between 4-8 uber is $3.00 pool from anywhere in Miami to any where in Miami
Just though I tell u about that
Written 14 August 2016
Is this place open I called the phone is disconnected & the website is not working also ???
Written 13 August 2016
The Freedom Tower, Museum of Art and Design, Kislak Center and Cuban Legacy Gallery are now open to the public after extensive renovations to the Tower. Our phone number is 305-237-7700, email is museum@mdc.edu
Written 16 July 2018
The Tower now charges admission for four museum attractions. Admission: $12 general, $8 senior and military, $5 students, children under 12 enter free. MDC students, faculty and staff enter free. Ticketed events vary in price.
Written 16 July 2018
Museum hours: 1-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; and 1-8 p.m. Saturdays.
Admission: $12 general, $8 senior and military, $5 students, children under 12 enter free. MDC students, faculty and staff enter free. Ticketed events vary in price.
Parking: Ample public parking is available in downtown Miami near the Museum.
Written 16 July 2018
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