The Wolfsonian-FIU

BY BRITON ALONSO

In 1986, businessman and philanthropist Mitchell Wolfson Jr. needed a building to store his 100,000-piece collection of furniture, decorative art, paintings, books, prints and collectible items.

That same building, occupying the southeastern block of tenth street and Washington avenue in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, is now a member of the Florida International University family, and has provided thousands of college students the opportunity for cultural enrichment.

Following Wolfson’s “landmark donation,” according to the museum’s official organizational history, of his entire collection and

from fiu.edu

 

building at 1001Washington Avenue to the state of Florida, the Wolfsonian-FIU is now a museum that focuses on how art and the design shapes from the modern times (1885 to 1945) reflect the human experience.

Apart from being one of the only fine art museums in Miami Beach, the Wolfsonian has also played an important role in Florida International University and its students.

However, many students do not take advantage of this resource that has been placed squarely in their hands.

Of the 40,000 students enrolled at FIU every year, about 2,500 of them walk through the large, heavy metal and glass doors of the Wolfsonian, according to Regina Bailey, the museum’s assistant director of special projects and academic initiatives.

“We are really here for the students. We offer many opportunities to them,” Bailey said. “Also, the focus of the museum lends itself to young people.”

The Wolfsonian’s investigation into “looking at the idea that a design of something tries to tell you,” according to Bailey, can be portrayed in many examples, especially for young people.

Bailey used the example of the iPod’s design and idea that has now helped shape the world today.

“The design is always trying to get you to buy something or change your ideals in some way,” Bailey said. “Everyone who has bought an iPod cannot help but imagine they are dancing in those white or black silhouettes.”

Bailey spoke more about how the museum’s focus on objects of everyday life is much more than simply an appreciation of the beauty of an old toaster oven.

“We must critically look at the society we live in,” Bailey said. “The music we listen to, the books we read, the designs we create, and what that all means.”

The museum has created the term, “thinkism,” which is characterized by the notion that what man makes, makes man, which was said by Wolfson himself.

The Wolfsonian defines “thinkism” as: A cultural movement of the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries that provokes an

from stopedit.com

 

understanding of object as expressions of human ideas, concerns and aspirations.

The concept questions things such as the fact that, according to a poll done by the Wolfsonian, 3.8 billion people are familiar with both the face of the Mona Lisa as well as the vacuum cleaner.

“Are a vacuum cleaner and the Mona Lisa of equal importance in society? Both objects are almost equally famous, but a lot more people use vacuums than visit the Louvre. And vacuums have changed the way we live, allowing us to install wall-to-wall carpeting…Thus, thinkism suggests the design of the vacuum has impacted the culture as much as the art in the world’s finest museums.” – “Thinkism” brochure, from the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum.

This is the type of question asked by the Wolfsonian. The exhibits feature sketches of cars from earlier in the century, or bathing suits throughout time, and much more.

Students of FIU have the opportunity to take advantage of the museum more than anyone else.

When an interested FIU student enters the doors, he is able to become a member of the museum for free, as well as free admission no matter what.

Membership gives the student a 10 percent discount in the gift shop as well as invitations to the museum’s private and limited events.

from artmuseumtouring.com

 

For the opening of the most recent exhibit, “Styled for the Road: The Art of Automobile Design,” members of the public paid a $150 admission fee, yet seats were reserved free of charge for any FIU student who wanted to attend.

The museum also houses a primary scholarship library, which is open to students during the week and also on Saturdays, since that day is much more convenient for students, according to Bailey.

The curators will provide any student with a guided tour of the museum whenever they like and show them all that is offered.

“For a student, we’ll bring out our special items such as the plans for the Eiffel Tower or many of Miami’s bridges,” Bailey said.

Bailey also spoke about how important it is for them to be available to help students.

from mustseemiami.com

 

“When students come to do a paper or project here, I want them to know that I’m not your professor right now, I’ll help you do whatever you need to do to get it done,” she said. “Whatever it takes for a student, we will do.”

And if a FIU student’s friends or family is jealous of the free admission, a fantastic time to introduce them to the museum is Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. when, a little-known secret, admission to the museum is free for all.