The timeless charm of Coral Gables returns to full bloom on Friday, June 6, as the city’s signature Gallery Night invites art lovers, collectors, and curious newcomers to an evening filled with fine art, live music, and cultural discovery. From 6-10 p.m., galleries and creative spaces across the city will open their doors for this free, self-guided event. This month, the spotlight turns to a particularly rich theme: artworks from the 19th century—with an exhibition at Cernuda Arte Gallery leading the way.

 ‘25 Artworks from the 19th Century’

At the heart of this month’s Gallery Night is a major exhibition at Cernuda Arte, titled “25 Artworks from the 19th Century.” The show offers a rare, in-depth look at the evolution of Cuban art through three primary genres that defined the island’s colonial-era painting: portraiture, landscape, and religious imagery.

Visitors will encounter works by some of the most pivotal figures in Cuban art history, including the island’s two acknowledged artistic founders: Nicolás de la Escalera and Vicente Escobar. For the first time in Miami, paintings by the three Chartrand brothers—Esteban, Philippe, and Augusto—descendants of a wealthy French family whose legacy shaped 19th-century Cuban landscape painting, will be displayed together.

Adding depth to the exhibition is the presence of the Melero family, a dynastic artistic lineage led by Miguel Melero, long-time director of the prestigious San Alejandro Academy, and his sons Miguel Angel and Aurelio. Also on view are works by the Belgian painter Henri Cleenewerck, as well as Spanish-born masters Víctor Patricio de Landaluze, José Carol, and Miguel Arias.

The show also honors Cuba’s native-born “criollo” artists, including Armando Menocal, Leopoldo Romañach, Federico Sulroca, and Antonio Rodríguez Morey—each of whom played a role in bridging the classical traditions of the 19th century with the modern Cuban identity that would emerge in the decades that followed.

The exhibition spans the gallery’s three elegant spaces at 3155, 3143, and 3160 Ponce de Leon Boulevard and is a must-see for those interested in Latin American art, colonial history, or Cuban cultural heritage.

Night of elegance, history, discovery

While Cernuda Arte anchors this month’s Gallery Night with its historical focus, many other Coral Gables galleries are also expected to feature works inspired by or created in the 1800s—inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the beauty and complexity of a transformative century in art.

From sweeping romantic landscapes to evocative portraiture and religious iconography, the 19th century produced some of the most enduring images in the Western canon. This Friday’s Gallery Night offers a unique chance to engage with that legacy in a modern setting, surrounded by music, architecture, and conversation.

Getting around Gallery Night

Navigating Gallery Night is made simple thanks to the Coral Gables Trolley and the Freebee on-demand electric vehicle service, both of which are free and available throughout the evening. The city encourages attendees to park once and use these services to explore the participating galleries and venues.

The main art corridors include:

• Ponce de Leon Boulevard
• Douglas Road
• Aragon Avenue
• Miracle Mile

Many of the galleries are within walking distance of Coral Gables’ signature dining and shopping spots, making Gallery Night an ideal start to an evening out.

Live music, open doors, community spirit

In addition to curated exhibitions, expect live music performances at select galleries and pop-up venues throughout the city. From classical string ensembles to jazz trios and acoustic Latin sets, the night’s soundtrack adds a dynamic layer to the visual experience.

What sets Coral Gables Gallery Night apart is its blend of intimacy and grandeur—the ability to experience world-class art in warm, accessible spaces, often with gallerists and curators on hand to discuss the works in detail.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an art history buff, or simply someone in search of a beautiful night out, this month’s Coral Gables Gallery Night offers a compelling journey into the past that resonates deeply in the present.