Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College

We are so incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing and beautiful historical institution available to the public like the Freedom Tower. The Freedom Tower stands in stark juxtaposition today to the shiny glass skyscrapers (although the tower itself was the original first skyscraper in Miami!) showing a glimpse of the Miami that was. It tells an amazing story of the beginning of young city creating its first journalistic publications to of course what it’s known for today as being a guiding light and community center for immigrants, namely the Cuban community, into the United States. The tower recently reopened to the public and the exhibits are incredible. I last visited over a decade ago when I was in college and unfortunately remember being a little overwhelmed by the exhibits as it was a dark and sparse space with uninspiring exhibits. It’s completely transformed today with some of the most impressively engaging exhibits creatively expressed in a variety of forms - digital media, oral history told directly by those who lived these experiences, replicas of the original facilities, interactive elements, etc. Even their gift shop is beautiful and impressive, my friend and I did not leave with a souvenir! It’s a must-do for all Miami residents and visitors and well worth the $18 general admission cost ($12 discounted ticket for students up to 18 yrs, $14 discounted ticket for seniors). We were very fortunate to have our tour personally led by Dr. Amy Galpin, who oversees the museum in her scope as Executive Director Dir and Chief Curator at MDC, who led an engaging and informative tour. It’s great to see an important institution in the hands of someone so passionate about the mission and we as residents absolutely need to support this gem of an institution in our community. Please visit the Freedom Tower and take all your family and friends!

There is that emotion while stepping into this beautiful building. What it meant to immigrants for so many years. The exhibitions, the meetings, volunteering and the office of Miami-dade College; fantastic. Gorgeous place. Means a lot to be called The Freedom Tower. Thanks also to Eduardo Padrón, Miami-dade, best College President ever. This time was a tribute to a Cuban singer, Celia Cruz and the 72nd anniversary of Diario Las Americas. Was a beautiful night with good music, great food and the talk of some local politicians of Miami.

The newly renovated Freedom Tower presents thought-provoking exhibitions that showcase how this landmark building served as the headquarters for the Miami Daily News and then as the Cuban Refugee Center for over a decade. The lobby features dioramas that tell the history of the place and a film, but also the Kislak Gallery that presents PreColumbian artifacts and historical books in dialogue with contemporary artists. The second floor features the Libertad exhibition, which tells of the Cuban Exile experience and is very moving and inspiring. Noteworthy are the Voices of Miami room and the Knight Skylight Gallery that tell the story of immigrant founded businesses in Miami; there is also a small gallery space that presents contemporary art. The 3rd and 4th floor have the FIFA Museum with a special show that was organized for the upcoming World Cup

Best experience learn culture of all countries. especially Cuban refugees. You get to feel interaction of history of Miami. Great Staff gentleman in front desk so humble and nice. This is why also came back again. Thank you

Never had been before they stated to renovate it. The perk of being and MDC student and getting in there free plus students get in for $12, amazing! The new exhibits were cool, mix of history and sports. #viewswillneverbeforgotten

Wonderful museum experience. Exhibits are interactive and very informative. Very well organized. They also have free tours during the day.

The newly renovated Freedom Tower in Miami-Dade is nothing short of extraordinary. The updates have transformed an already iconic landmark into a space that feels vibrant, immersive, and deeply intentional—honoring history while inviting visitors into a truly elevated cultural experience. The building itself is incredibly beautiful; every detail of the renovation enhances the Tower’s sense of dignity, warmth, and relevance. Taking my Cuban parents and aunt to experience the Cuban exhibit was profoundly moving. The way the exhibit is laid out is breathtaking and completely unique—thoughtfully curated to tell a story that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Rather than simply presenting history, the exhibit guides you through it, weaving together emotion, memory, and meaning in a way that feels intimate and powerful. You can feel the care and respect embedded in every element of the experience. We opted for a private tour, which elevated the visit even further. Amy Galpin was absolutely exceptional—warm, welcoming, and extraordinarily knowledgeable. Her ability to contextualize the exhibits, answer questions with depth and clarity, and genuinely connect with our family made the experience unforgettable. It was clear that she didn’t just lead a tour; she curated a moment, ensuring our visit felt meaningful and personal. One of the most delightful surprises was on Levels 3 and 4, where the Freedom Tower offers an engaging experience for both kids and adults through the lens of soccer. The exhibit beautifully explores how soccer has shaped Miami’s culture and identity, making it especially exciting with the World Cup on the horizon. It’s interactive, fun, and educational—a perfect example of how the Tower successfully bridges generations and interests. The Freedom Tower’s renovation is a triumph. It is a place where history, culture, and community come together with elegance and intention. Whether you are honoring your roots, introducing your children to Miami’s story, or simply seeking an enriching cultural experience, the Freedom Tower delivers something truly special.

My in-laws came to the US from Cuba in 1966 and spent their first few days here in the Freedom Tower. Today was their first time back since then. Sharing this with them was an even more incredible experience than I had hoped for. I can't say enough great things about our guide Angela and the rest of the incredible staff for helping create such an amazing, emotional experience. Thank you.

I have been looking at the Freedom Tower from my balcony for months now, and I've been eager to visit this famous beacon of hope to so many Cuban refugees for so long. When I arrived I was pleased to have my temperature taken first and see masks are required. They also gave me a teacher's discount. I much preferred the first floor, which is an exhibit of the Pedro Pan exodus. Even after reading so many books about the revolution and Cuban history, I never knew about this. I really didn't enjoy the art exhibit (?) on the second floor. It was pretty ... unsettling and strange, but I won't judge the MOAD on this as it changes. Just know that it wasn't at all suitable for kids, so I'd ask first.

Interesting stop to see the history of this beautiful building in the middle of modern architecture. There is only one main exhibit here, otherwise the building is pretty empty. This is there"Freedom Tower" which used to be the Ellis Island of the Southwest. Cuban immigrants came through this building, and as you can see by the pictures there is quite a story to read. There was a docent to give a little information as well. We were on a tour with Miami Tours, and this was one of the stops.