MIAMI, FL.- This new space will house the personal collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz and will serve as an extension of their home, which has been available for public viewing for the past fifteen years. The collection focuses on international contemporary art. The opening of the inaugural exhibit coincides with Art Basel/Miami Beach 2009. This new three-story, 30,000 sq. ft. space designed by John Marquette, will also include project rooms that will rotate throughout the year. One of the project rooms will provide a forum for local artists to display their works. The de la Cruzes also want to permanently install works by two Cuban-American artists with Miami connections: the late Félix González-Torres and Ana Mendieta, who they believe deserve more recognition in South Florida. Other artists to be featured prominently include American Jim Hodges, Argentina's Guillermo Kuitca, Puerto Rico Michael D. Linares and Gabriel Orozco of Mexico.

This art space will have a strong educational component. A reading and research center with selections from the de la Cruz's personal art library will open to the local community, artists and students. Throughout the year the program and lecture series will concentrate on creating public awareness of art history and contemporary art practices.