MDC Freedom Tower

As a National Historic Landmark, the Freedom Tower occupies a special place in American history. This building is a testament to the ingenuity, innovation, resiliency, and hope that define the American spirit. From its early days as a home to a newspaper to its profound purpose as the Cuban Refugee Center from 1962 to 1974, the Freedom Tower embodies important chapters in the history of Miami and the history of this nation. As the United States of America celebrates 250 years, we are proud and honored to play a role in documenting stories of the people who make this place special, distinctive, and unique.
 
Happy 4th of July weekend to all of our visitors from near and far who spend time at the Freedom Tower, we invite you to learn our history, but also to join and enhance our story.
 






Image credits:
Photos of the Freedom Tower, Courtesy of Miami Dade College
The News Tower, Wolfson Archives, Miami Dade College
Cuban Refugee Center Employee interviews a woman at the Freedom Tower, 1965 (detail). Image courtesy of the Archdiocese and St Thomas University Archives
Medical services through the Cuban Refugee Program at the Freedom Tower, ca. 1965 (detail). Image courtesy of the Cuban Refugee Center Records, Cuban Heritage College, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fl.
Registration desk at the Freedom Tower, ca. 1965 (detail). Image courtesy of the Cuban Refugee Center Records, Cuban Heritage College, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fl.
Film screening in the Knight Skylight Gallery, June 2026, photographed by McKenzie Velazquez
MDC Scholars Meet Up at the Freedom Tower, 2026, courtesy of Miami Dade College
Oral History Participant Celebration, September 17, 2025, courtesy of Vivian Vo

As a National Historic Landmark, the Freedom Tower occupies a special place in American history. This building is a testament to the ingenuity, innovation, resiliency, and hope that define the American spirit. From its early days as a home to a newspaper to its profound purpose as the Cuban Refugee Center from 1962 to 1974, the Freedom Tower embodies important chapters in the history of Miami and the history of this nation. As the United States of America celebrates 250 years, we are proud and honored to play a role in documenting stories of the people who make this place special, distinctive, and unique.

Happy 4th of July to all of visitors from near and far who spend time at the Freedom Tower. We invite you to learn our history, but also to join and enhance our story.

Image credits:
Photos of the Freedom Tower, Courtesy of Miami Dade College
The News Tower, Wolfson Archives, Miami Dade College
Cuban Refugee Center Employee interviews a woman at the Freedom Tower, 1965 (detail). Image courtesy of the Archdiocese and St Thomas University Archives
Medical services through the Cuban Refugee Program at the Freedom Tower, ca. 1965 (detail). Image courtesy of the Cuban Refugee Center Records, Cuban Heritage College, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fl.
Registration desk at the Freedom Tower, ca. 1965 (detail). Image courtesy of the Cuban Refugee Center Records, Cuban Heritage College, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fl.
Film screening in the Knight Skylight Gallery, June 2026, photographed by McKenzie Velazquez
MDC Scholars Meet Up at the Freedom Tower, 2026, courtesy of Miami Dade College
Oral History Participant Celebration, September 17, 2025, courtesy of Vivian Vo

With support from the Art Bridges Foundation, we are organizing special bus excursions from all eight campuses. These photos document a recent visit from Miami Dade College - West Campus. All Miami Dade College students receive free admission to Miami Freedom Tower. With special extended hours through the World Cup, now is a great time to visit and view four incredible exhibitions. We are open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm through July 19.

Caption: Students from MDC’s West Campus visit the Freedom Tower, June 9, 2026. Photo by Giorgio Viera.