MAPS Backlot

MAPS Backlot is a 10,500-square-foot open-air event venue and production location at 342 NW 24th Street in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. It is run by MAPS, which producer Paulie Lardi founded in South Beach in 1993 as a photo production company before moving into sets, studios and event spaces. The backlot rents for brand activations, product launches, Art Basel events, live shows, corporate events, private parties and weddings, and its signature cement cyc wall and drive-in access make it a location for editorials, commercials, music videos and film projects. Testimonials on its site come from Nike’s Art Basel activation team, and its client logos include Nike, Adidas, Target, Univision and Michelob Ultra.

The backlot

• Open-air floor: about 10,000 square feet of flexible layout inside 18-foot walls, for 600 guests standing or 250 seated.
• Cyc walls: the cement cyc wall, which MAPS does not allow to be painted or rigged, and a white cyc wall for projections, art and branded environments.
• Support spaces: an air-conditioned indoor green room, two built-in bars and three restrooms, one of them ADA accessible.

Events, AV and catering

A standard rental covers 12 hours including setup and breakdown, and multi-day and long-term bookings are available for pop-ups, installations and productions. MAPS holds an assembly license, so events need no extra permits. Licensed, insured outside vendors are allowed alongside the venue’s Black Book of preferred vendors, and in-house security and cleaning are required. A basic sound system and venue lighting are included; DJs, live music and evening events need added AV and lighting, and power is limited, so a generator may be needed. Alcohol must be poured by certified bartenders under the caterer’s liquor liability insurance, and service ends at 2:30 a.m.

Load-in and parking

Vehicles can drive in for displays and productions with approval, through a large load-in entry with direct street access. There is no on-site parking; metered street parking is nearby and valet can be arranged. Because the venue is open-air, MAPS recommends a weather plan.