Miami Dade College (MDC) is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone with the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the reopening of The National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower on September 16, 2025.
After a two-year, multi-million-dollar restoration, the iconic structure will be unveiled as a vibrant cultural hub.
Located at 600 Biscayne Blvd., the Freedom Tower showcases a new vision that highlights Miami’s immigrant legacy, global identity, and creative spirit.
MDC officials have revealed that visitors can look forward to a variety of new immersive exhibitions beginning with the permanent exhibition, “Libertad.”
This engaging display spans the first and second floors of the Freedom Tower, allowing visitors to explore the journey of Miami as a city forged by resilience and opportunities.
Using cutting-edge digital installations alongside community testimonials and historical artifacts, “Libertad” invites attendees to discover the stories of those who sought refuge and a fresh start in Miami.
In addition to “Libertad,” the Freedom Tower will host the “Languages of Migration” exhibition, located within the Kislak Center.
This unique display will delve into the evolution of communication, migration, and identity, drawing upon the Kislak Collection donated by the Kislak Family Foundation.
It will feature rare ancient and colonial artworks alongside contemporary pieces, fostering a dialogue between the past and present.
Moreover, the temporary exhibition, “We Carry Our Homes With Us,” will be available for viewing until January 11, 2026.
Inspired by Marisella Veiga’s memoir recounting her experiences as a Cuban exile, this exhibition complements both “Libertad” and “Languages of Migration” by exploring universal themes of migration, exile, and the concept of home.
Another noteworthy addition is the “Unidad” exhibition, which marks the first U.S. partnership between MDC and the FIFA Museum.
This interactive exhibition celebrates soccer as both a universal language and a unifying cultural force, linking the sport to Miami’s rich tapestry of cultures and traditions.
The restoration of the Freedom Tower is supported by a substantial investment from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which recently contributed $5 million to the project.
This latest investment enhances Knight Foundation’s long-term commitment to MDC, totaling over $16 million in recent years, which includes a remarkable $7 million grant in 2021 that helped establish the nation’s first associate degree in applied artificial intelligence.
In January 2025, MDC launched a 33-member National Historic Landmark Freedom Centennial Committee, which includes influential members from South Florida’s cultural arts community.
This committee successfully raised funds within six months to secure the exhibits that honor the building’s historical significance.
Supported by a $25 million state investment, the Freedom Tower underwent extensive renovations aimed at addressing critical maintenance, safety upgrades, and structural repairs.
Originally designed by Schultze & Weaver and constructed in 1925, the tower was the home of Miami’s oldest newspaper, the Miami News.
It became a symbol of the American dream for countless individuals seeking freedom and opportunity.
From 1962 to 1974, the building served as the Cuban Refugee Assistance Center, providing essential aid to many Cuban exiles fleeing political persecution.
Following years of neglect, community leaders dedicated to preserving Miami’s Cuban legacy successfully campaigned for its rescue, culminating in its donation to MDC in 2005.
The college undertook the restoration of the Freedom Tower, achieving its National Historic Landmark designation in 2008.
MDC President Madeline Pumariega remarked, “The Freedom Tower’s centennial represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore its iconic Mediterranean Revival architecture while launching a new chapter as a vibrant civic and cultural hub.”
She emphasized that the Freedom Tower will continue to serve as a beacon of civic memory, cultural expression, and community pride for the next century.
For further details, visit mdc.edu/freedomtower.
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