Gusman Center For the Performing Arts

Elite '08

16

204

Kevin N.

Boca Raton, FL

This is a beautiful theatre in the heart of Miami.  The kind of place the citizens and developers would like to tear down and turn into something with a lot more neon lighting rather than older electric incandescent bulbs.  The decorations border on the baroque, it is so ornate.

Went here for the Miami International Film Festival to see Married Life by Ira Sachs.  The director, Chris Cooper, and Patricia Clarkson were on hand to answer questions and generally look pretty.  They also served alcohol, which all movie houses should do.  Great times.

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Elite '08

33

380

cindy w.

Miami, FL

The Gusman Center is a slice of gold that every Miamian should make a point to visit, this is a historic landmark that still functions in our community. I've been to the Gusman for dance performances and for the Miami International Film Festival.
Each time, I always enjoy the entrance marquee and the deco flourishes inside the building. The interior performance halls have venetian art finishes complete with a painted evening sky, gilded cherubs, and frescoes -- it may sound tacky but it isn't, it's quite charming.

History for the kiddies: The Olympia Theater (Gusman Center) opened in 1926 and was the first A/C public building in South Florida. Famous folks who've visited: the Marx Brothers, Elvis, and Gypsy Rose Lee among others...

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Elite '08

27

821

JD N.

Miami, FL

Beautiful performing art center that is a great addition to downtown Miami although I'm not sure which came first since Gusman Center is almost as old as the city itself.

I came here for the Miami International Film Festival (recommended) and watched a Belgium film in this beautiful facility.

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17

200

Gabyyyy y.

San Francisco, CA

This is such a unique space in Miami... Gorgeous!

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Elite '08

47

211

joseluis a.

Miami, FL

i have a relationship with this building. i live here. so for me, its really convenient to go to the film festival or a performance at the gusman. the theater is beautiful, it recently got renovated, very minor stuff, some of the ceilings, addition of a theatrical lighting bridge and lighting equipment.. that sort of stuff. some of the shows ive seen here are. lila downs, the kronos quartet,  al kindi ensemble/whirling dervishes of damascus, refugee all stars from sierra leone, among others. when it comes to audio, it doesnt really matter where you sit. first level, second level, back, front ... you pretty much get to listen and appreciate everything from any spot. this theater sits approximately 1,800. so it is a medium space. but obviously front seats are better because of the view. theres a small bar by the front door where you can get some beers, wines and liquor. prices are reasonable. this is a beautiful venue. i would say its among the most important buildings of our city. this theater still has its original mighty wurlitzer pipe organ installed in 1925 fully operational.

now, the sad part. this building is owned by the city cause its historical piece of architecture. it is sad for me to see the outside structure fall apart. its been collapsing little by little for the past 2 years. literally falling to the ground (its a 10 story building) and instead of renovating the exteriors, what the city has done is install a "temporary" roof like the ones you see at construction sites.. mind you, its been up for more than a year now and no one is really working on any renovations.... but of course, its beautifully decorated by a colorful poster that advertises the theater and its historical value. like alanis would say ... isnt it ironic? check it out when youre there next time. man, shame on all those people who are supposed to take care of miami and instead sell out like the dirt rats they are.

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