The Betsy Hotel Brings Opera to the People with Free Monthly “Opera on the Terrace” Series in South Beach

At a time when opera is often perceived as an elitist or inaccessible art form, The Betsy Hotel is striking a new chord. The family-owned and operated Michelin Key property on Ocean Drive is redefining what’s possible in South Beach with its celebrated Opera on the Terrace series—free, open to the public, and now in its 11th year.

Held on the fourth Saturday of every month, these 30-minute pop-up performances transform the hotel’s iconic front terrace into a cultural stage facing vibrant Ocean Drive. In partnership with the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF), the series showcases a rotating cast of MMF alumni and rising stars, performing classic opera solos, Broadway hits, and timeless standards for the community to enjoy.

“In a neighborhood better known for nightlife, The Betsy is creating moments of magic that are free, inclusive, and rooted in Miami Beach’s rich cultural identity”. “Our Opera on the Terrace series brings world-class artistry to one of America’s most iconic streets and makes it accessible to everyone.”

The series has become a beloved community staple. The artists—many of whom go on to perform on international stages—bring world-class vocals to Miami Beach’s streets, captivating audiences with their talent and passion.

The Betsy’s commitment to the arts extends far beyond opera. Guests and locals can also enjoy live jazz nine times a week in the hotel’s famed Piano Bar, without a cover charge or drink minimum. Performances feature award-winning musicians from around the globe and are held Sunday through Thursday from 6–11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m.–midnight, and during weekend brunch from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. A full schedule of performances is available on the hotel’s entertainment calendar.

For more information about Opera on the Terrace and The Betsy Hotel’s ongoing arts programming, please visit www.thebetsyhotel.com.

ABOUT THE BETSY 

The Betsy is a 130-room family owned and operated independent luxury oceanfront boutique resort located within the South Beach Art Deco District. The celebrated resort opened in March 2009 following a complete restoration of the historic Betsy Ross hotel and later underwent a groundbreaking expansion in December 2016, merging with the former Art Deco Carlton Hotel. The hotel is home to two food and beverage outlets helmed by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel – LT Steak & Seafood, and The Alley as well as The Piano Bar, which is widely regarded for live jazz. The hotel also boasts a 3,200 square foot rooftop complex with swimming pool, property library and nearly 25,000 square feet of special event space. Known widely as a world-leading literary hotel, The Betsy offers jazz nine times a week, classical music pop-ups, major art exhibitions, poetry readings, and a renowned artist residency program which has hosted more than 1,000 writers (and other creatives). Public art includes “The Betsy Orb,” an egg-shaped architectural masterpiece that also serves as a functional bridge connecting the hotel’s two buildings and “The Betsy Poetry Rail,” an installation of poetry etched into metal by water jets, celebrating 12 poets that shaped Miami history and culture. Betsy’s hospitality motto is Expect no more. This is Happiness. – words penned by poet Hyam Plutzik (1911-62), a three-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, and the father of owner Jonathan Plutzik whose literary legacy inspires Betsy hospitality. 

Acclaimed Photographer Robin Hill Unveils That’s the Way I See It, An Inspiring Tribute to Miami’s Public Art

Featuring 50 standout works of public art in Miami-Dade County, new book showcases Hill’s abstract, playful photographs with original commentary

Today, the acclaimed photographer Robin Hill—a longtime fixture within South Florida’s art and architecture scene—announced the publication of his first-ever solo book, That’s the Way I See It: Miami’s Public Art Through a Unique Lens, a vibrant visual love letter to Miami’s expanding public art scene. Hill’s new book features 50 standout public artworks across Miami-Dade County with abstract, playful photographs, plus witty original commentary that reinterprets the original projects for new audiences.

Hill has documented Miami’s iconic public artworks for decades, uncovering the dynamic relationships between the art, its surroundings, and the communities it enriches. With That’s The Way I See It, the photographer reimagines the artworks by using a technique known as Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), which blends the vibrant colors and dynamic forms of Miami’s public art with the kinetic energy of the city itself. Each artwork is accompanied by Hill’s thoughtful reflections on Miami’s public art, with a foreword by the celebrated critic and author Alastair Gordon.

Designed and published by the Miami-based nonprofit EXILE Projects, That’s the Way I See It includes 240 pages of full-color images. The hardcover edition is limited to a first edition of 500 copies for art lovers, urban explorers, and anyone moved by the transformative power of public art in the Magic City.

“Miami is a different kind of place—suspended in its own time and space bubble—where anything feels possible,” said Hill. “It is a city where reinvention is the norm and the rules are yours to write. Nowhere is this freedom of expression more evident than in Miami’s remarkable and eclectic collection of public art, which has flourished over the last 50 years. Miami’s public art has turned the city into an outdoor museum that attracts millions of locals and tourists in its own right, and honoring this legacy through That’s the Way I See It has been one of the true joys of my life. These public artworks have become a powerful personality trait that reflects the city’s emergence as a world-class destination for innovative artwork, and this new book helps to interpret this personality, making the Magic City feel just a little more magical—whether you’re from Miami or just visiting.”

Robin Hill

Miami and New York based photographer, Robin Hill straddles the boundaries between architecture, design and fine art by using his medium of choice; photography.  Born and raised in Nottingham, England, Hill began his career in 1987 in the most inauspicious way by taking pictures of toddlers in supermarkets and department stores across London.  He didn’t know at that stage that one day his photographs would be exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Bilbao or grace the pages of the world’s leading design publications such as Vanity Fair, Wallpaper* and Architectural Digest.  Architecture is the corner-stone of his work; perspectives colliding and geometries intersecting, light playing with shadow and whimsy dancing with rigor, a philosophy of action that has led him to work with many of the world’s leading architects including Herzog and de Meuron, Zaha Hadid and Arquitectonica. 

Hill likes to see his work as a metaphorical tripod with the three legs of his photography; architecture, design and fine art all coming together within the camera that sits atop the tripod.  Hill first became known in the world of architecture through a project known as MiMo (MIami MOdern), which is a movement to preserve post-war modern architecture  in Miami and resulted in the seminal exhibition ‘Beyond the Box’ which debuted at the Municipal Art Society in New York City and resulted in the publication of MiMo: Miami Moden Revealed. (Chronicle Books 2004) The first of more than twenty books that Hill has collaborated on. Hill became involved with other media hosting the EMMY award winning ART 360 on PBS and delivering keynote lectures at the Sarasota Design Conference and the Wolfsonian Museum in Miami. Hill received the AIA award for Florida in 2015 as the Architectural Photographer of the Year. 

Robin Hill Photography 

+1 305-785-6538

[email protected]

@robinhillphoto

Luxury Jewelry Brands Every Collector Should Invest In

In the world of luxury, few assets combine beauty, craftsmanship, and long-term value like fine jewelry. For seasoned collectors and discerning investors alike, luxury jewelry brands represent not just status or style, but tangible heritage pieces that can appreciate over time. Whether passed down through generations or carefully curated for resale, these brands stand as benchmarks of excellence, rarity, and investment-worthy prestige. Here are the top luxury jewelry brands every collector should consider adding to their portfolio:

1. Cartier

Founded: 1847, Paris
Why Invest: Cartier is synonymous with timeless elegance and historical significance. From the iconic Love bracelet to the Panthère collection, Cartier pieces are not only instantly recognizable but often see consistent demand in auction markets. Royals and celebrities alike have favored Cartier, cementing its place in both cultural and financial history.

Investment Tip: Look for vintage pieces, limited editions, or those with provenance—especially designs from the Art Deco period or collaborations with Jeanne Toussaint.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels

Founded: 1906, Paris
Why Invest: Known for its whimsical motifs and technical excellence, Van Cleef & Arpels is revered for innovations like the Mystery Set technique. The Alhambra collection is particularly collectible, as are nature- and fairy-inspired designs. Their jewelry often features rare gemstones and exceptional artistry, contributing to long-term value.

Investment Tip: Focus on pieces from historic collections or those using high-quality mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, or diamonds.

3. Bulgari

Founded: 1884, Rome
Why Invest: Bold, opulent, and unmistakably Italian, Bulgari blends classical and modern influences like no other. Its colorful use of gemstones and gold, as seen in the Serpenti and B.zero1 collections, make for standout pieces that appeal to both Eastern and Western markets.

Investment Tip: Limited-edition Serpenti watches and vintage high jewelry from the 1960s and 70s are especially sought after.

4. Harry Winston

Founded: 1932, New York City
Why Invest: Dubbed the “King of Diamonds,” Harry Winston is renowned for some of the most famous gemstones in the world, including the Hope Diamond. Their exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to rare stones make their high jewelry pieces museum-worthy—and highly investable.

Investment Tip: Seek out classic diamond pieces or those with high-carat, flawless stones accompanied by GIA certificates.

5. Graff

Founded: 1960, London
Why Invest: Graff is known for its access to some of the world’s most important diamonds. With a commitment to exceptional cutting and ethical sourcing, Graff jewelry is often associated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and collectors of rare stones.

Investment Tip: Pieces featuring D-color flawless diamonds, or creations involving famous stones (such as the Lesedi La Rona) are the most prized.

6. Chopard

Founded: 1860, Switzerland
Why Invest: Famed for blending horology and haute joaillerie, Chopard is a staple at international red carpets and a favorite of collectors who appreciate eco-conscious luxury. Its Happy Diamonds and Red Carpet collections continue to attract global demand.

Investment Tip: Choose ethically sourced diamond collections or limited-edition collaboration pieces, which often gain value due to their exclusivity.

7. Piaget

Founded: 1874, Switzerland
Why Invest: Known for ultrathin watches and extravagant gold jewelry, Piaget is a master of craftsmanship and design. Their pieces often blend vibrant gemstones with innovative form, creating collectible art-meets-jewelry pieces.

Investment Tip: Vintage Piaget cuff watches and items from the Possession collection are perennial collector favorites.

8. Tiffany & Co.

Founded: 1837, New York City
Why Invest: Tiffany’s legendary blue box is as iconic as its jewelry. Now part of the LVMH group, the brand’s stature continues to grow globally. Tiffany’s Soleste, T, and Legacy collections, along with its association with designers like Jean Schlumberger and Elsa Peretti, add significant collector value.

Investment Tip: Focus on classic diamond engagement rings, Schlumberger enamel pieces, and discontinued Peretti designs.

9. Mikimoto

Founded: 1893, Japan
Why Invest: Mikimoto revolutionized the pearl industry by creating the first cultured pearl. Today, its pieces represent the finest in pearl craftsmanship, often featuring Akoya or South Sea pearls of unmatched luster and symmetry.

Investment Tip: Collectors value strand necklaces with large, graduated pearls and minimal blemishes, as well as collaborations with avant-garde designers.

Final Thoughts

Luxury jewelry is more than wearable art—it’s a legacy investment. The best pieces come with stories, exceptional design, and intrinsic value that stand the test of time. When considering jewelry for investment, always pay attention to brand heritage, gemstone quality, condition, and provenance. Work with reputable dealers and appraisers to ensure authenticity and long-term worth.

Whether you’re just beginning your collector’s journey or expanding an established vault, these luxury jewelry brands offer the perfect balance of beauty, history, and value appreciation.

For more luxury investment insights, subscribe to Art Miami Magazine’s print edition or digital newsletter.

Liberty Sculpture by Rafael Montilla

Art in Public Places

MCC Artscape: Miramar Cultural Center
2400 Civic Center Place
Miramar, FL 33025

Rafael Montilla- Sculptor
@rafaelmontillaart Rafaelmontillaart.com
Rafael Montilla, best known as “Kube Man,” is a Miami-based multidisciplinary artist. His work is grounded in geometric abstraction, and the cube assumes a central role in my artistic proposal. The cube symbolizes profound concepts such as Harmony, Gratitude, Compassion, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Balance, resonating with our inner and outer existence. Rafael’s objective is to achieve conscious evolution of humanity, aiming to create a more harmonious and sustainable world for present and future generations.
His work has been exhibited in fairs, museums, and galleries in Spain, Venezuela, Canada, Holland, France, Italy, and the United States. He has participated in individual and collective exhibitions, obtaining recognition. His work is represented in private collections in the United States.

MCC Artscape Gallery

Top high-end jewelry designers in Miami

Stella Sarmiento — Joyas exclusivas hechas a mano

Originaria de Bogotá, con una profunda formación artística y una extensa investigación en culturas prehispánicas, Stella Sarmiento diseña piezas únicas o series limitadas que combinan esmeraldas colombianas, diamantes y formas art déco geométricas. Su marca re-lanzada ofrece colecciones personalizadas, de altísimo nivel, creadas sobre la base de un universo cultural rico y una impecable manufactura artesanal stellasarmiento.com. Es ampliamente reconocida por diseñar joyas para la élite global durante más de 15 años stellasarmiento.com.

John Brevard — Diseño contemporáneo entre arte y joyería

Ubicado en Wynwood y Coral Gables, John Brevard fusiona joyería, escultura y arquitectura. Su colección de joyería fina se basa en conceptos de geometría natural y fenomenología, con piezas que trascienden la joya tradicional para convertirse en expresiones artísticas vivas Wikipedia. Su atelier funciona por cita previa, ofreciendo piezas atemporales con profundidad conceptual y estética moderna.

FoundRae — El lujo discreto y personalizado

Aunque es una marca internacional, FoundRae cuenta con tienda en Miami y ha sido adoptada por quienes buscan joyería como autoexpresión. Fundada por Beth Hutchens, la marca redefine el lujo “silencioso” con charms personalizables y misceláneas de oro fino pensadas para convertirse en herencias contemporáneas Miami Design District Becomes a Hub for Watches and Fine Jewelry.

Yvel — Perlas barrocas y diseño con propósito

Yvel, con bandera en el Miami Design District desde 2014, destaca por su enfoque en perlas barrocas únicas, siempre diseñadas alrededor de su forma natural. Cada pieza lleva una estética orgánica en oro satinado o diamantes, reflejando una filosofía de belleza honesta y artesanal Wikipedia.

Isa Grutman — Diseño inspirado en el vintage con modernidad

La diseñadora Isa Grutman abrió su propia boutique en Miami, ofreciendo joyas de lujo inspiradas en estilos vintage adaptados al diseño contemporáneo, en consonancia con el vibrante espíritu de la ciudad Miami Design District Becomes a Hub for Watches and Fine Jewelry.

Casas de lujo en Miami Design District y Bal Harbour

En Miami Design District y Bal Harbour Shops se concentran numerosas maisons de renombre internacional que destacan por su exquisitez:

• Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Bulgari, entre otros, tienen boutiques emblemáticas en el Design District y Bal Harbour, representando lo mejor del lujo clásico y moderno en joyería y relojería Top 10 High-End Jewelry Stores in Miami for Anniversary Gifts.

Además, marcas americanas como David Yurman también tienen presencia destacada en Aventura Mall, con colecciones que fusionan arte y sofisticación Top 10 High-End Jewelry Stores in Miami for Anniversary Gifts.

El Seybold Jewelry Building — Corazón artesanal del lujo en Miami

El histórico Seybold Building, en el centro de Miami, es uno de los mayores núcleos de joyería fina en EE. UU., con más de 300 joyerías y relojerías en 10 pisos, incluyendo personalización y productos de lujo de marcas como Graff, Chopard, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Van Cleef y más Downtown Miami in the Seybold. Es un destino ideal para quienes buscan piezas únicas, reparaciones sofisticadas o diseño a medida en un contexto urbano y tradicional.

Resumen de los top diseñadores y escenarios en Miami