The Wolfsonian was built as a private research center in 1995. Upon its gifting to the State of Florida in 1997, the museum’s mission and operational scale expanded to embrace a very large Florida International University student body and faculty in research and activities. K-12 educational initiatives followed.

The Wolfsonian-FIU is now a globally renowned museum, library, and research center that illustrates the persuasive power of art and design. With more than 200,000 objects, the collection contains a vast universe of ideas. The Wolfsonian offers an agreeable setting for the appreciation of art and design and a forum (virtual and in­ person) that enhances Miami Beach's civic life. The museum’s offerings are enhanced by partner organizations: Miami Design Preservation League; City of Miami Beach's STEAM+ program; O Cinema Miami Beach; AIA; AIGA; Bookleggers' Library; New World Symphony; O, Miami Poetry Festival; Design Miami; and Art Basel Miami Beach.

The museum typically draws 25,000 to 30,000 visitors each year. It produces three major exhibitions, several smaller installations, and a contemporary artist project, in addition to over 100 public programs such as tours, talks, family programs, and films. The museum’s mission is to use objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political and technological changes that have transformed the world. At the same time, the museum strives to link this historical collection to the concerns and passions of people living today.