Museum of Miami Exhibits 1926 Hurricane History

A new exhibition examines the impact and recovery of the historic 1926 storm that reshaped the city.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Fine Art

Screen-print poster illustration of an antique brass hurricane lamp on a wooden pedestal, evoking the history of the 1926 Miami storm.
The Museum of Miami has launched 'Caught in the Eye,' an exhibition documenting the impact and recovery following the historic 1926 hurricane. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local history museums focus on city achievements or highlight unequal historical outcomes?

The Museum of Miami has opened a new exhibition titled Caught in the Eye: Remembering the 1926 Hurricane. The display utilizes photographs, film, and personal letters to document the recovery efforts following the disaster.

Why it matters

The exhibition provides critical context regarding how the city confronted the tragedy and the subsequent recovery efforts that defined the era. It examines the storm's lasting influence on the urban development of Miami.

The exhibition displays approximately 33 images selected from a primary collection of 100 photographs and documents. Admission for adults is priced at $15.

The players

Museum of Miami

This institution serves as the primary repository for historical records and cultural artifacts related to the development of the city.

American Red Cross

This humanitarian organization provided approximately $3 million in relief and reconstruction funding following the 1926 hurricane.

The details

The exhibit reconstructs the devastation of the 1926 hurricane, which left roughly 43,000 people homeless and caused over 100 deaths. Featured displays include accounts of the damage sustained by the Dade-Commonwealth Building, which lost 10 of its upper floors.

Timeline

  1. The population of Miami was 5,471 in 1910 and 29,571 in 1920.

  2. The hurricane struck Miami on September 18, 1926.

  3. This news regarding the exhibition was published on October 27, 2026.

  4. The exhibition remains open to the public through April 11, 2027.

Industry Dynamics

The exhibition analyzes the 1926 Miami hurricane as a major catalyst for urban reform in the region. By digitizing and displaying archival materials, the museum follows a broader trend of institutions using historical trauma to engage modern audiences in civic history.

The public can visit the exhibition at the Museum of Miami for an adult admission fee of $15. The collection is scheduled to remain on view through April 11, 2027.

The takeaway

Understanding the scale of the 1926 relief efforts, including the $3 million spent by the American Red Cross, highlights the severity of the crisis. Residents can visit the museum to gain perspective on how the city recovered from the massive displacement of 43,000 people.

Further reading

Discover more regional historical collections at the Miami Fine Art section.

More information

For additional details on the exhibit or visitor guidelines, please visit the Museum of Miami official website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WLRN.

Live Poll

Should local history museums focus on city achievements or highlight unequal historical outcomes?