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Museums, collections, co-ops, galleries and other venues

MUSEUMS, COLLECTIONS & CO-OPS

ArtCenter/South Florida

800 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. 305-674-8278 or artcentersf.org:

Free alternatives abound to Art Basel festival

With the nation's premier art festival kicking off on Miami Beach this week and a slew of Art Basel spinoffs available, South Florida is at the moment inundated with art and culture.

And as artists from around the world showcase their talents, high rollers no doubt will be in town as well, attending posh parties and shelling out big money for top-priced art.

But where do you go if you want to immerse yourself in culture without emptying your wallet before stepping foot through the door?

Home for the holidays: Here's how to enjoy the season in South Florida

Who says it doesn't feel like the holidays in Florida? Who needs snow to usher in the season? We've got boat parades, The Nutcracker , and even the Rockettes.

We've got fabulous light displays, and every holiday production you can think of is being performed on one of South Florida's many stages.

Holiday events are happening in virtually every community in Miami-Dade and Broward. Here are some of the highlights.

How to experience Art Basel for free

You’ve heard the expression ‘‘Art is free,’’ but much of the time, it really isn’t. By now, everyone who hasn’t been living under a rock knows that Art Basel Miami Beach is taking over this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It’s a great event, for sure, but its $35 daily ticket is a little steep when you’re looking to take the family. But there are plenty of ways to participate in Baselmania without breaking the bank: Actually, you can spend the whole weekend seeing art from around the world without spending a penny.

There are so many freebies that a comprehensive list is impossible, but here are some good bets in the Miami Beach and Wynwood areas. And while you’re in Wynwood, be sure to stop at the area’s galleries, most of which have free exhibitions specially set up for Basel.

-- SARA FREDERICK

What can you see at Art Basel for free?

You've heard the expression ``Art is free,'' but much of the time, it really isn't. By now, everyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows that Art Basel Miami Beach is taking over this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It's a great event, for sure, but its $35 daily ticket is a little steep when you're looking to take the family. But there are plenty of ways to participate in Baselmania without breaking the bank: Actually, you can spend the whole weekend seeing art from around the world without spending a penny.

There are so many freebies that a comprehensive list is impossible, but here are some good bets in the Miami Beach and Wynwood areas. And while you're in Wynwood, be sure to stop at the area's galleries, most of which have free exhibitions specially set up for Basel.

-- SARA FREDERICK