Your Sunday Reading Material, Come to Life

God bless the Gray Lady. In a time of dire news for print media, the New York Times is somehow still going strong, arriving on our doorstep every Sunday morning with a satisfying thwack that promises in-depth political analysis, breaking news, and the good stuff — more arts and culture coverage than you know what to do with. The Times is stepping up where every other publication has cut back, investing time in and giving attention to the pleasures of life: books and movies, art and dance, theater and music. And it’s not satisfied to simply celebrate the cream of the crop in its own city, oh no. In 2001, to commemorate The Times’ 150th anniversary, the folks at the paper launched Arts & Leisure Weekend, collaborating with hundreds of cultural institutions both at home and abroad, with the intent of stimulating local interest in dusty cultural practices. Huzzah! This Thursday through Sunday, locals right here in the 305 can enjoy free admission, reduced prices, and special events at museums, theaters, and performing arts centers.

Participants include MoCA at Goldman Warehouse (404 NW 26th St., Miami; 305-573-5441, www.mocanomi.org), where you can buy one admission and receive a second one of the same value free. The same goes at the Miami Children’s Museum (980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami; www.miamichildrensmuseum.org), Miami Art Museum (101 W. Flagler St., Miami; www.miamiartmuseum.org), Miami Metrozoo (12400 SW 152nd St., Miami; www.miamimetrozoo.com), and the Jewish Museum of Florida (301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; www.jewishmuseum.com). At the Frost Art Museum (10975 SW 17th St., Miami; www.frostartmuseum.org), they’re offering special tours of their new building, exhibitions, and sculpture park. Planning on making a weekend of it? We advise you start early — there are so many astounding establishments offering special incentives to visit this weekend, and some events are scheduled for later in the year (some as far off as April!). For advance tickets, use the code NYT09. Visit www.artsandleisureweekend.com to download your discount pass and get a complete list of participating venues.
Thu., Jan. 8, 2009