7 hours ago
Scoop: Regal South Beach could be replaced by "Superhuman" art museum
The only major movie theater in Miami Beach could be shut down and replaced by a museum concept founded by a marijuana industry entrepreneur and former political prankster.
Why it matters: Regal South Beach is back on the chopping block after surviving a 2023 corporate downsizing effort — and a familiar face is behind the new redevelopment plans.
Driving the news: BH 1100 Lincoln Road LLC, the owner of the 1100 Lincoln Road property, and a business associate are seeking city approval to redevelop the theater into an "immersive modern art museum" called the Superhuman Museum.
The intrigue: Steve Berke, a former Miami Beach mayoral candidate whose comical campaign tactics gained national attention back in 2011, is listed as an applicant on the plans and refers to himself as the CEO of the Superhuman Museum on LinkedIn.
What they're saying: Berke, who co-founded the International Church of Cannabis in Denver, tells Axios that Superhuman won't be like traditional art museums, which often feel like visiting a "graveyard of art."
Large-scale "immersive installations" will share space with "blue chip pieces" from artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, he says.
Seventeen exhibits, full of art and "cutting-edge technology," will "encourage visitors to explore their inner spiritual thoughts," Berke says.
"We believe that everyone who enters will exit as a new person, smiling, and spiritually enriched."
Catch up quick: Berke, who ran for mayor in 2011 and 2013, is a Yale-educated entrepreneur whose resumé includes being a reality TV show contestant and parody songwriter with several viral YouTube music videos.
His current business ventures include the International Church of Cannabis, a marijuana-themed light show venue housed in an old Lutheran church, and a Fort Lauderdale pizzeria called Munchie's Pizza Club.
During his political campaigns, Berke used music videos and publicity stunts — like the time he had Sexy Sax Man serenade the mayor — to raise awareness for his political platform and try to land an MTV documentary.
What's next: The city's Planning Board is scheduled to consider the application at its July 1 meeting.
If a requested conditional use permit is approved, the interior of the building will be gutted.
"Our plans are to use the existing infrastructure of the theaters to create a unique narrative based walk through experience that takes you from theater to theater," Berke says.
