Miami, Florida is famous for South Beach, vibrant nightlife, and Art Deco architecture. Amidst this generation of electronics and technological innovations lies a gem from a bygone era. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an incredible place in the heart of the Coconut Grove neighborhood in Miami. This is a must-see attraction in Miami, especially if you need a break from the sun and the sand of South Beach. Visiting Vizcaya is a great way to spend a beautiful Florida afternoon.

With timeless Mediterranean-style architecture, and collections dating from the early 20th century Vizcaya’s Main House was the jewel of a fledgling Miami when constructed between 1914 and 1922. Styled with baroque elements and Mediterranean influences, the Vizcaya mansion and styled gardens are something out of a fairytale! A century later, Vizcaya is just as relevant. It’s a cultural destination for tens of thousands of visitors each year and a hub for locals who want to learn, grow, and connect in a setting specifically packed with art, culture, and the timeless beauty of nature.

History of the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, previously known as Villa Vizcaya, is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay in the present-day Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida. Deering used Vizcaya as his winter residence. Upon his death, he gave the Vizcaya Mansion to his nieces, however, they struggled to pay for the maintenance and donated the mansion to Miami-Dade County. It became a museum in 1953.

Amazing Architecture

Built between 1914 and 1922, Vizcaya is one of the most intact remaining examples from this era in United States history, when the nation’s most successful entrepreneurs built estates inspired by the stately homes of Europe. Designers drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean Revival architectural styles.

Other grand estates around Florida include The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach and John Ringling’s Ca’d’Zan at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.

Vizcaya was conceived as a modern and subtropical interpretation of an eighteenth-century Italian villa, specifically the country estates of the Veneto region of northern Italy. Architectural elements were adapted to the subtropical climate with a remarkable sensibility for environmental issues. The exterior reflects the grandeur of Italian villas, featuring stone walls, archways, stucco staircases, and column entryways. However, the interior boasted heating and ventilation, water filtration, refrigerators, elevators, an automated telephone switchboard, and a central vacuum-cleaning system, among other modern luxuries.

Touring the Interior

As you step inside Vizcaya’s magnificent interior, prepare to be transported back in time. The opulent rooms, such as the grand hall, the dining room, and the music room, are masterpieces in their own right. Each room is a testament to the luxury and sophistication of the Gilded Age. The style is Mediterranean Revival, but there are different influences as you tour the house. The Living Room, furnished in a European Renaissance style, features a large marble fireplace from France and a custom-built “player” pipe organ sits along the wall.

The Music Room

The Music Room, with its gilded ceiling and grand piano, is a striking example of the mansion’s elegant design. The intricately designed ceilings are adorned with delicate craftsmanship and stunning murals transporting visitors to a time of lavish gatherings and musical celebrations. The player piano and the organ were probably the only instruments used during James Deering’s lifetime. In addition, the collection of fine antique instruments in the Music Room functioned more as a gallery of historical ancestors of the more modern devices.

Beautiful Enclosed Loggia Tea Room

The Enclosed Loggia is my favorite room in the house for its kaleidoscope of light and color. It makes a nice transitional connection coming in from the garden. In addition to the colorful glass, the top arches of the windows feature seahorses and a ship.

The Vizcaya Gardens

Vizcaya’s European-inspired gardens are among the most elaborate in the United States. Reminiscent of gardens created in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Italy and France, the overall landscape design is conceived as a series of rooms. There is the evocative Secret Garden, the intimate Theater Garden, the playful Maze Garden, and the once-watery domain of the Fountain Garden. On either side of this designed landscape, James Deering preserved the native forest.

The Vizcaya Gardens present an enchanting world of lush landscapes such as elaborate fountains, waterfalls, and serene waterways. The garden’s design incorporates Italian and French elements, creating a romantic and picturesque setting. The Vizcaya European-inspired gardens are among the most elaborate in the United States.

Finally, I meandered the winding paths through the beautiful formal gardens with sculpted hedges, marble statues, and reflecting pools and entered the Secret Garden. The charming Secret Garden tucked away from the main area, offers a sense of tranquility and privacy, inviting contemplation amidst nature’s beauty.

Tea House

The view from the tea house is fantastic, especially nice for taking pictures. It was used for entertaining guests, and I am sure that sipping on a cup of tea with views like this was stunning. The Tea House was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and has since been restored.

Wildlife

While walking through the gardens, I felt like someone was watching me. Then, I saw four beady lizard eyeballs giving me the once over. These lizards didn’t move at all. They just stood there wondering who was this stranger invading their space. These lizards have all moved in and call Vizcaya their home. The lizard with the orange head is the Red-headed Rock Agama. I also saw a peacock in the parking area.

The Vizcaya Stone Barge

On the bayside of the mansion is a breakwater that looks like a boat called the “Vizcaya Barge”. Over the years it has deteriorated due to high tides and hurricanes. The barge also served as a social gathering place for lavish parties.

Hollywood Ties

Vizcaya’s enchanting gardens, gazebos, and impressive architecture offer a backdrop for photography and filming. Vizcaya has been a location for movies, music videos, and TV shows. President Ronald Reagan met with Pope John Paul II at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. On the day of my visit, there must have been half a dozen photo shoots taking place. I saw everything from fashion shoots to wedding photos. There was a bride, two or three cinderellas, and a movie star. At least, I thought she looked like one.

Conclusion

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens stand as a testament to the magnificence of a bygone era. Its beauty, and historical significance make it a must-visit attraction for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the Gilded Age. The Vizcaya Mansion and Gardens offer a glimpse into a world of art, culture, and the timeless beauty of nature.

. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL