The Betsy Orb Ignites Miami’s Public Art Scene Year-Round
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Immersive digital art transforms South Beach into an open-air gallery
A Landmark for Art and Innovation
The Betsy – South Beach, a Michelin Key boutique hotel long celebrated as a nexus for culture and community, has unveiled a permanent, cutting-edge projection system for “The Betsy Orb”. This advancement launches a continuous public art initiative, presenting commissioned digital works from leading contemporary artists across the globe.
Architecture Meets Immersive Experience
Conceived by architect Allan T. Shulman and co-owner Jonathan Plutzik, the Orb embodies a dialogue between preservation and modern design. Introduced during the hotel’s 2016 expansion—which unified the historic Betsy Ross and former Carlton properties—the structure sits discreetly between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue along 14th Place. Its egg-like form functions simultaneously as a sculptural landmark, an intimate gallery, and a bridge between the buildings. Now enhanced with advanced projection technology, the Orb extends The Betsy’s commitment to making public art central to its cultural programming.
Technology That Transforms Space
Powered by a Christie Jazz Series 1DLP laser projector, the installation delivers 17,800 lumens of vivid, high-contrast imagery—far surpassing conventional projection systems. Calibrated precisely to the Orb’s curved surface, the technology allows artworks to fully envelop the structure without visual spillover. Artists working across disciplines—from digital media to performance and sound—can create immersive environments that feel contained within the Orb itself, offering viewers a uniquely transportive experience.
A Platform for Global Artists
Housed in a custom enclosure and operated remotely, the system enables continuous, year-round programming. Artists receive tailored digital templates to design works specifically for the Orb’s dimensions, ensuring each projection is site-responsive. Every piece undergoes detailed mapping and testing before debuting. Like all of The Betsy’s exhibitions, these presentations remain free and open to the public, reinforcing accessibility as a core value.
Spotlight: “The Gooooaaaaal is Love”
Launching the next phase of programming is “The Gooooaaaaal is Love,” a large-scale cinematic installation by Miami-based transmedia artist dNASAb. Presented in collaboration with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation CreARTE program, the work runs through June and July. Drawing inspiration from the FIFA World Cup’s arrival in Miami, the piece explores the emotional mythology of soccer through a fusion of live-action film, generative media, and immersive storytelling.
Curatorial Vision and Cultural Leadership
The initiative is led by co-owner and curator Lesley Goldwasser alongside Jonathan Plutzik, with guidance from a distinguished advisory group that includes Deborah Plutzik Briggs, filmmaker Juan Carlos Zaldivar, and Lumina Productions CEO Michael Rossi. Goldwasser frames the Orb as a significant curatorial evolution, extending the hotel’s gallery program into the public realm, while Plutzik emphasizes its role in celebrating global events through innovative artistic commissions.
From Temporary Showcase to Permanent Platform
Previously activated during the City of Miami Beach’s “No Vacancy” program, the Orb has hosted acclaimed projections by artists such as Carlos Betancourt, Sri Prabha, Nuria Richards, dNASAb and Liz-N-Bow. Its permanent installation marks a shift from occasional programming to an ongoing platform for artistic exchange.
2026 Artist Lineup
June & July: dNASAb presents “The Gooooaaaaal is Love,” in partnership with the Knight and Perez Foundations.
August: Carl Phillipe Juste collaborates with Edouard Duval-Carrié on a Caribbean-focused projection inspired by “Global/Borderless Caribbean.”
October: RISD-trained motion designer Laura Paresky Gould, the talent behind Miami Color Theory debuts a new work.
November: Filmmaker Juan Carlos Zaldivar presents a new piece tied to “Hummingbird.”
December: A new commission arrives in partnership with Miami Beach’s No Vacancy program.
Extending the Experience
Visitors drawn to the Orb can seamlessly continue their cultural experience through The Betsy’s dining venues. The Alley delivers a trattoria-style atmosphere under Chef Laurent Tourondel, while La Ventanita offers casual bites and coffee. For a more refined setting, LT South Beach presents a globally influenced New American menu, complete with the signature “Dessert Orb.”
Where Art, Community, and Access Converge
The Betsy Orb positions Miami Beach at the forefront of immersive public art, offering a rare blend of accessibility, technological innovation, and curatorial ambition. With free, year-round programming and a roster of internationally recognized artists, it invites both locals and visitors to experience contemporary art in a setting that is as dynamic as the city itself.