The de la Cruz Collection, a cornerstone of Miami’s vibrant art scene for over a decade, has recently closed its doors, marking the end of an era for contemporary art enthusiasts in the city and beyond. This private museum, founded by Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz, leaves behind a legacy of artistic innovation, educational outreach, and community engagement that has significantly shaped Miami’s cultural landscape.
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ContactThe Birth of a Vision
In the late 1980s, Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz began their journey as art collectors, initially displaying works in their home and welcoming visitors by appointment. Their passion for contemporary art and desire to share it with the public led to the founding of the Moore Space in 2001, a non-profit kunsthalle in Miami’s Design District. This venture laid the groundwork for what would become the de la Cruz Collection.
A Museum Takes Shape
In 2009, the de la Cruz Collection opened its doors in a stunning 30,000 square foot building in Miami’s Design District. Designed by John Marquette, this three-story space became a beacon for art lovers, offering free admission and a rotating display of cutting-edge contemporary works. The museum’s design allowed for dynamic curatorial approaches, with each floor often dedicated to different themes or artistic explorations.
A Collection of Distinction
The de la Cruz Collection was renowned for its diverse and forward-thinking selection of artworks. Featuring both established and emerging artists, the collection spanned various mediums including painting, sculpture, and site-specific installations. Some of the notable artists represented in the collection included:
- Felix Gonzalez-Torres
- Ana Mendieta
- Glenn Ligon
- Mark Grotjahn
- Christopher Wool
- Isa Genzken
Rosa de la Cruz was particularly known for her keen eye in identifying emerging talents before they achieved widespread recognition, making the collection a trendsetter in the art world.
Beyond Exhibition: Education and Outreach
What set the de la Cruz Collection apart was its commitment to education and community engagement. The museum organized:
- Lectures and workshops
- Scholarships for high school students at Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH)
- Educational travel opportunities to New York and Europe for college students from New World School of the Arts
- Summer workshops for grade school children
These initiatives reflected the de la Cruz family’s belief in the power of art to educate and inspire future generations.
The Final Exhibition: “House in Motion / New Perspectives”
The last exhibition at the de la Cruz Collection, titled “House in Motion / New Perspectives,” served as a fitting finale to the museum’s 15-year run. This show brought together works from throughout the collection’s history, emphasizing the fluid nature of contemporary art and offering new interpretations of familiar pieces.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The closure of the de la Cruz Collection in 2024, following Rosa de la Cruz’s passing at the age of 81, marks the end of a significant chapter in Miami’s art history. The decision to close the museum and auction the collection through Christie’s reflects the family’s desire to honor Rosa’s legacy while ensuring the artworks find new homes where they can continue to be appreciated.
Impact and Legacy
The de la Cruz Collection’s influence on Miami’s art scene cannot be overstated. It played a crucial role in:
- Elevating Miami’s status as a contemporary art destination
- Supporting emerging artists and new artistic voices
- Providing free access to world-class art for the local community
- Inspiring other private collectors to open public spaces
Looking to the Future
While the physical space of the de la Cruz Collection may be closing, the impact of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz’s vision and generosity will continue to resonate. The upcoming Christie’s auctions, expected to total around $30 million, will disperse the collection to new homes, ensuring that these important works of contemporary art will continue to be seen and appreciated by art lovers around the world.
The de la Cruz Collection may have closed its doors, but its legacy as a pivotal institution in Miami’s cultural landscape will endure, inspiring future generations of artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts for years to come.
Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_la_Cruz_Collection [2] https://press.christies.com/christies-presents-christies-presents-the-rosa-de-la-cruz-collection [3] https://news.artnet.com/market/de-la-cruz-collection-sale-2457385 [4] https://www.wlrn.org/arts-culture/2024-04-09/this-is-your-last-chance-to-visit-this-miami-museum-before-all-the-art-is-auctioned-off [5] https://www.christies.com/en/stories/rosa-de-la-cruz-contemporary-art-collection-fac7b679a64a4f7181862a060dcc42a3 [6] https://www.wlrn.org/arts-culture/2024-04-04/miamis-de-la-cruz-collection-closed-art-headed-to-30m-auction-after-founders-death [7] https://artcollection.io/blog/rosa-and-carlos-de-la-cruz-collector-profile [8] https://www.delacruzcollection.org/about [9] https://www.delacruzcollection.org