Lincoln Road Doubles Down on Public Art with Bold New Commission

Miami Beach’s iconic Lincoln Road, already known as South Florida’s open-air cultural catwalk, is raising the bar with a powerful new public installation. This November, the pedestrian promenade will debut La Herencia Viva (“The Living Heritage”), a monumental sculpture by Miami-based Colombian artist Oscar Esteban Martinez.

Martinez was selected from more than 75 local, national, and international submissions to the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District’s (LRBID) inaugural 2025 Call to Artists, securing up to $75,000 to bring his vision to life. The work will remain on display through June 2026 as part of the district’s expanding Art on Lincoln: Sculpture, Installations and More program, one of Florida’s most robust public art initiatives.

Inside the Vision of La Herencia Viva

The sculpture is a fragmented human face composed of interlocking puzzle-like pieces, each representing a cultural background, symbolic pattern, or skin tone. Several pieces appear raised or missing, hinting at the ongoing dialogue around inclusion and belonging.

At its core: mirrored acrylic panels that invite visitors to see themselves reflected, literally placing the viewer inside the narrative of cultural coexistence.

“It’s a tremendous honor to have my work displayed on Lincoln Road,” Martinez said. “Miami is a city where people from all over the world joyfully share the same space. My hope is that people see themselves not just in the mirror, but in the idea that we are all part of something larger.”

Why Public Art Matters on Lincoln Road

For the BID, this project isn’t just about art, it’s about place-making and identity.

“Public art is a cornerstone of Lincoln Road’s experience,” said Lyle Stern, president of the LRBID. “This initiative isn’t only about showcasing extraordinary work, it’s about creating opportunities for artists to share their voices and for the community to engage in meaningful ways.”

The program cements Lincoln Road as more than a shopping and dining destination; it’s a year-round cultural hub that attracts over 10 million visitors annually.

A Legacy of Landmark Installations

Lincoln Road has consistently attracted world-class talent:

  • Fernando Botero’s bronzes in 2019
  • Richard Orlinski’s vibrant works in 2022
  • Marco Cochrane’s 45-foot “R-Evolution” (2023–24)
  • Gille and Marc’s “Wild Couch Party” and paparazzi-inspired sculptures (2024)

With La Herencia Viva, Martinez joins this roster of celebrated artists—further reinforcing Lincoln Road’s reputation as South Florida’s public art epicenter.

What It Means for Miami Beach

As Miami Art Week 2025 approaches, La Herencia Viva promises to be one of the season’s must-see installations merging thought-provoking design with selfie-ready spectacle. It’s a piece that looks good on Instagram but lingers in the mind long after, blending identity politics with universal human connection.

In a world where cities compete to define themselves through culture, Lincoln Road is sending a bold message: public art isn’t background, it’s identity.

And with Oscar Esteban Martinez’s La Herencia Viva, that identity is alive, diverse, and deeply reflective of us all.