Spinning Pan Am Globe Installed at Miami “World”center

July 14, 2022

Since the Miami Museum of Science closed its South Miami Avenue building in 2015, the enormous 1934 Pan Am globe of the world that once welcomed guests to the museum. The massive and vibrant sphere has since undergone substantial restoration, and it has been placed in its new, permanent outdoor location at the massive Miami Worldcenter complex in the Park West neighborhood.

In South Florida, the globe is a significant historical item. The former Pan American station on Dinner Key, which is now Miami City Hall, is where the 31-foot-5-inch, 6,500-pound globe was began.

Since moving it to the Frost Museum’s new facility would have been too difficult, the Miami Worldcenter will start spending $700,000 starting in 2020 to restore and weatherproof the globe with its original “approximately 1934” era lines.

A representative of the Miami Worldcenter stated “The Pan-Am globe depicts the world at a critical point in history – prior to World War II and when Miami was first realizing its position as a gateway for tourism and transportation.”

“It was important to the museum to find a partner that would care for this historic piece and ensure that the community can continue to enjoy this local icon,” stated the President and CEO of the Frost Museum.

Once complete, the Miami Worldcenter will feature 27-acres of retail, restaurants, shopping venues, and entertainment destinations. Retail will include 300,000 square feet of space and 40+ businesses.

Some notable retailers have already signed leases for the Miami Worldcenter which include Bowlero, Lucid Motors, and Sephora. Two luxurious restaurants are also named as the new lease holders, Maple & Ash and Laurel Brasserie. Maple & Ash is a famous Chicago restaurant that has now expanded to Arizona and now Miami. Laurel Brasserie is Miami Chef’s Michael Beltrans creation, with an anticipated opening date this summer.

The residential towers in Miami Worldcenter include: Legacy Hotel & Residences, Paramount Miami Worldcenter, Bezel, Caoba, and The Crosby.