HistoryMiami Museum will open a new exhibition, “Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades,” on May 9, 2025. The exhibit features 50 swimsuits representing over a century of swimwear fashion and its evolution. According to the museum, the collection reflects changes in textiles, innovation, pop culture, and Miami’s reputation for “sun, sand and style.”
The opening event includes an Opening Night Celebration and Fundraiser with live music and models displaying vintage swimwear. On May 10, the museum will host a Free Family Fun Day with hands-on activities related to swimwear history at its downtown Miami location.
Christopher Barfield, HistoryMiami’s Director of Exhibitions, said: “Miami is the perfect backdrop for this exhibition, where the beach culture is not only a part of our lifestyle but also a key element of our identity. We wanted to highlight the intersection of fashion, culture, and history while allowing visitors to explore how swimwear has evolved over time in a city known for its sun, sand, and style.”
Most items in the exhibition come from HistoryMiami Museum’s permanent collection. Additional pieces are on loan from local designers Rene Ruiz, Kené Kaya and Liliana Montoya. The show also incorporates visuals from HistoryMiami’s Special Collections Library and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Archives.
A VIP reception will be held on May 8 in partnership with Ocean Drive Magazine and Bacardi. This event includes live music and vintage swim fashion displays while raising funds for museum education programs. Sponsors include Greater Miami Convention Visitor’s Bureau with support from PARAISO Miami Swim Week.
Founded in 1940, HistoryMiami Museum is one of Miami’s oldest cultural institutions and a Smithsonian Affiliate. It maintains over 30,000 artifacts and more than two million images as part of its mission to preserve local history through exhibitions and educational initiatives.
