The Miami Herald adds more examples to the story of how art has become an essential component of high-end real estate in Miami. For example, above is Michelle Oka Doner’s centerpiece pavilion for Miami’s Doral Downtown development:

“Great cities have great art,” said Carlos Rosso, president of the condo division of the Related Group, which has eight condo projects underway in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, all adorned with art, murals, video installations and sculptures. “We think art gives another dimension to life.”

While developers for years have paired exceptional art with luxury real estate in South Florida, the combination lately has been elevated to a whole new level.

And customers are demanding it.

Ultra-wealthy condo buyers want to be ensconced amid art from the moment they drive up, all the way to their front doors, said Mark Zilbert, president and chief executive of Zilbert International Realty, a Miami Beach-based firm that specializes in high-end properties.

“The idea is that the second you arrive at your building, this is the theme: that art is important,” Zilbert said.

Brazilians, Italians and Russians, in particular — who are buying up South Florida condos briskly — find art especially important, he said.

“Some appreciate art,” Zilbert said, “and, those who are new to wealth, as long as they know it’s expensive — they love it.”

What’s more, for developers, art adds to the value of real estate.

Fine art helps sell real estate in South Florida (MiamiHerald)