On Thursday, April 24, The Bass Museum of Art opened its doors to an evening of dazzling creativity, where art, fashion, music, and spectacle intertwined under the stars for Night at the Museum: “Artist EXTRA-vaganza.” It was a night that transformed Miami’s contemporary art scene into a living, breathing masterpiece.
Museum members floated through the galleries, cocktail in hand, mingling with celebrated local artists while savoring a feast of the senses: fine wines, inventive bites, immersive activations, and live performances that unfolded around every corner.
The evening’s theme, “Artist EXTRA-vaganza,” took its vibrant cue from the museum’s current exhibitions: Rachel Feinstein: The Miami Years, assume vivid astro focus: XI, (LA)HORDE: Heureux sous son ombre, Ulla von Brandenburg: In Dialogue, and Performing Perspectives: A Collection in Dialogue. In true Miami style, guests donned their most imaginative “art-tire,” turning the museum itself into an exuberant runway of living art.
For a touch of modern magic, a violinist roamed the galleries, enchanting guests with contemporary pop hits spun into classical gold — a lyrical thread tying the exhibitions and experiences together with unexpected elegance and edge.
Ensuring that every look was one-of-a-kind, The Bass partnered with üüps, the ingenious “be aware of what to wear” app. Members previewed outfits and avoided fashion déjà vu, arriving in confident, creative style — ready to impress.
The much-anticipated Best ART-tire contest, judged by fashion stylist Elyze Held and The Shop Curator, Angie Ferrer Pirán, crowned Luis Najera and Corey Valestra as the evening’s style champions. Avra Hart, Caitlin Collins, Julia Spillman-Gover, and Leemor Rhodes Carvalho claimed second and third place honors, proving that Miami’s art crowd knows how to dress the part. (View all the stunning looks on The Bass’s Facebook page.)
Throughout the evening, the museum pulsed with immersive installations. In the Lindemann Family Courtyard, Light Bridge Refraction—a breathtaking digital art and lighting experience by Michelle M. Collins and Christien Methot, powered by A Non-Agency® and Design One Lighting—reimagined space and architecture in waves of mesmerizing light.
Inside, multidisciplinary artist Mikihumo captivated visitors with a surreal, experiential video and light installation in the Trudy and Paul Cejas Gallery, while Spectacle Entertainment’s pop-up dancers wove through the galleries, delighting guests with unexpected bursts of performance art.
Silent auction artworks tempted collectors, while a monumental custom frame—crafted by Event Factor Production and presented with üüps—became a glamorous photo activation courtesy of After Hours Photoshoot. DJs Benton & Steve of Dale Zine Radio kept the energy soaring with a vibrant vinyl soundtrack, making it impossible to stay still.
Toasts flowed freely with fine wines from longtime partner Dry Farm Wines, craft cocktails by Van Gogh Vodka, refreshing Perrier, and a lavish spread of culinary delights and non-alcoholic libations from H&C Collective. Le Basque, masters of visual drama, created a sumptuous dessert station inspired by the legendary wrapped artworks of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
Miami’s art crowd didn’t just attend Night at the Museum — they became part of the masterpiece.
Night at the Museum remains The Bass’s signature members-only celebration, raising essential support for the museum’s dynamic exhibitions and educational initiatives. Beyond the festivities, museum membership offers an invitation to a year of inspiration: free admission, exclusive events, insider experiences, and more.
For more information on becoming a member and joining Miami’s most vibrant cultural community, visit www.thebass.org/natm or follow the museum @TheBassMoA.
