Coral Gables Museum — Attraction in Coral Gables

Emotion in Motion: Pablo Cano’s Marionette Opera at the Edge of Time

In Coral Gables, behind the unassuming threshold of a historic home, an enchanted world unfolded. Pablo Cano’s Cricket Theatre was not merely a performance—it was an invitation into a waking dream where sculpture sways, discarded objects speak, and memory moves to music. It was, in every sense, emotion in motion.

From the moment the lights dimmed, Cano’s world drew us in. Imagine the spirit of Sophie Taeuber-Arp—her angular, abstract marionettes marching with modernist precision—meeting the lyrical soul of Pablo Cano, whose creations don’t march. They ache. They waltz. They remember.

As a ceremonial gong struck, the atmosphere shifted. The Forbidden City rose before us, and a Chinese princess emerged. Her arms, fashioned from lacquered chopsticks; her layered robe, assembled from vintage silks; her voice, carried on the soaring, operatic strains of María Elena Callejo. With every graceful turn, she summoned centuries of longing from behind palace walls.

From the wings came a diva—a black rotary telephone marionette—center stage and done waiting. Her silhouette was commanding: a coiled wire spine, a vintage receiver slung like a stole across one shoulder, and in one wired hand, she clutched a modern cell phone with tragic hope. Her other hand, made from a defunct remote control, trembled ever so slightly. “I’ve waited eighteen years,” she crooned with a voice smoky enough to fog a mirror, “and I’ll wait eighteen more—but NOT. A. DAY. AFTER. THAT.” She was heartbreak wrapped in tinsel, comic timing dressed in despair. Think Marlene Dietrich meets Dada—soaked in Chanel No. 5 and humming with the static of unanswered calls.

The lights turned to Fred Astaire. Not a caricature, but a presence—suited in sleek black, no top hat, no props, only his body shimmering with sequins as he tap-tap-tapped beneath a single spotlight. His rhythm was pure poetry—no gimmicks, just grace.

And then came Marie Antoinette. Regal. Resigned. Draped in silver lace that shimmered like moonlight on water. Her aria built slowly, trembling with fate. And just as her final breath left her throat, a red ribbon unspooled—glittering, deliberate, rolling like a ruby teardrop from her neck to our feet. We didn’t clap. We held our breath. We whispered, “Wow.”

After the final bow, the artist did something extraordinary. He opened his inner sanctuary. We were free to roam his studio, to ask questions, to touch, and to marvel. This was his ICI unit, where injured puppets are “cured.” Arms of guitar necks, legs of toothbrushes, hips made from domino tiles. But the faces—always the faces—carry the echoes of family. Cano revealed with reverence: “These are my Mother. My Sister.” The room pulsed with lineage.

And somewhere, beyond the reach of our eyes but not our imagination, a dreamlike dressing room flickers into being. There, Sophie Taeuber-Arp’s geometric marionettes meet Cano’s expressive clan. They pause—angular lines versus lyrical arcs, abstraction versus narrative. For a moment, the tension mounts. But slowly, surely, they waltz under the marionette moonlight, sharing scraps and secrets. For that is what artists do. They build bridges from wire and wonder.

Pablo Cano’s marionette opera is not a performance. It is a portal. And once you’ve entered, you’ll never quite see reality the...

This past Thursday evening, I visited the marvelous Coral Gables Museum in order to attend the opening of its most recent photography exhibit, The Art of Compassion. This incredibly meaningful and human project celebrates women who have traditionally lived in the shadows - formerly incarcerated women who are re-entering society. Curated by photographer and producer Starr Sariego, these powerful photographs provide insight in to the lives of formerly incarcerated women, more than 80% of whom were victims of childhood trauma. I highly recommend seeing this important exhibit and applaud Coral Gables Museum for showcasing it. I wish I had seen several other exhibits that this fine, visionary museum has offered in the past. Next door to Book & Books, a favorite spot for most everyone in Miami, Coral Gables Museum is located in the heart of the City Beautiful on Aragon Avenue. It is a historically designated architectural gem featuring the typical Mediterranean Revival of downtown Coral Gables but with elements of Depression Moderne as well. Coral rock in construction, it served as a police and fire station in the past hence the sculptures depicting Coral Gables firemen on its exterior in addition to decorative artwork. I didn't explore the entire museum complex during this visit, so I plan to return and take a proper guided tour and participate in its downtown walking tours. Lauded for its culturally relevant exhibits and celebration of the civic arts, Coral Gables Museum is a must-see. I've been to its delightful gift shop several times to purchase one-of-a-kind cards and several other eclectic gift items. It's the ideal spot to shop if you need to pick up something for the person who has everything. There's ample parking with a garage across the street as well as metered street parking. If you are as guilty as I am for not visiting this grand museum sooner, head over there today and enjoy a...

There is a blend of historical charm with contemporary relevance that captures your attention because of the museum's mission to celebrate the unique architecture and environmental preservation of Coral Gables and delve into the broader cultural dynamics of the people and the area. Each exhibit is curated to offer insights into the city's fascinating history, from its founder, George Merrick, to the diverse present-day community. The museum's collections and temporary exhibitions showcase various subjects, including urban design, sustainable development, architecture, and historical artifacts that vividly depict the city's evolution. A highlight is the museum's focus on the architecture of George Merrick, whose vision shaped the city's iconic aesthetic. The museum isn't just about looking back; it's a living part of the community. They recently honored ex-Mayor Dorthy Thompson. Educational programs, art workshops, and cultural events are regularly held, fostering a love for the arts and history, both young and old. The museum also actively collaborates with local artists and historians to create a space that is both a guardian of the past and a promoter of contemporary cultural discourse. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, the Coral Gables Museum offers a window into the soul of this enchanting city. With each visit, you'll uncover new stories, engage with vibrant cultures, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Coral Gables. The outstanding staff offers assistance and knowledge of the varied and unique exhibits. They have exhibitions every so often with different art and cultural themes. A fundraiser recently was a big hit where photo bombs were...