On the vibrant streets of Cutler Bay, Miami-Dade County, a unique public art installation is set to transform a simple transit walkway into an immersive sound experience. Created by the talented artist Gustavo Matamoros, who was born in Caracas and now calls Miami home, the project is named “Quail Roost Sanctuary.” It aims to encourage passersby to become more aware of the often-overlooked sounds of their surroundings.
This innovative installation features a 320-foot long covered connection between a residential area and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. Matamoros has ingeniously crafted a soundscape that combines amplified resonances of the structure with field recordings from nearby ecosystems, including the Everglades, Deering Estate, and Biscayne Bay National Park. The installation is entirely audio-focused, lacking visual elements such as sculptures or murals, allowing visitors to delve into the auditory world around them.
Unveiling at Subtropics 2025 Festival
The Quail Roost Sanctuary will be unveiled as part of the Subtropics 2025 Festival on September 25, 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Quail Roost Station, located at 18505 Homestead Ave, Miami, FL 33157. This four-day festival, curated by Matamoros himself, promises a diverse array of events held at various venues across South Florida. The festival not only celebrates Matamoros’s work but also honors Florida-based composer Francis Schwartz.
In preparation for this unique sound installation, Matamoros has recorded 800 different sounds from the structure, ultimately selecting 80 for the composition. With the help of 32 custom multi-channel speakers arranged in four acoustic zones, the installation will feature recordings of bird calls, sounds from native wildlife, and human activities. Best of all, the installation will be free and accessible for residents, commuters, and visitors of the BRT line.
Festival Highlights
The festival kicks off on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with the unveiling of the Quail Roost Sanctuary. On Friday, September 26, attendees can enjoy “Soundologia,” an evening showcasing curated audio works at The Bridge, located at 4220 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127, from 9 PM to 11 PM. The following days will feature the Subtropics 2025 Marathon events, taking place at the Deering Estate Theater, Visitor’s Center in Palmetto Bay, FL, on Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28, from 4 PM to 10 PM.
All events during the Subtropics 2025 Festival are free and open to the public with R.S.V.P. required. The festival is made possible through the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade County Mayor, Board of County Commissioners, and the Deering Estate.
For more information about the Quail Roost Sanctuary and the upcoming Subtropics 2025 Festival, you can visit WLRN and Frants Gallery.
This exciting new project not only highlights the creativity of local artists but also reinforces the importance of engaging with our environment in a new and meaningful way. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the sounds of Cutler Bay like never before!