Discovering Villa Vizcaya, a historic treasure

Published on April 8, 2024 at 11:00 am

If you're a history buff or simply curious, we suggest you travel to another time and another world, far from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, by entering the Coconut Grove district. The area hides a little historical treasure and an architectural curiosity that blends several styles: Villa Vizcaya. Although its name evokes the Basque province of Bizkaia, this stunningly beautiful villa was inspired by Italian architecture. Elegantly set beside Biscayne Bay, the villa, built between 1916 and 1918, is now a museum with a wide variety of works of art from the 15th and 19th centuries. Walking through its corridors, you come face to face with an assortment of carefully maintained vintage furniture. From the outside, you can't help but be amazed by its sublime, unspoilt facades. The highlight of this discovery is the gardens, reminiscent of old European manor houses. This is certainly the most elegant and charming place in Miami.

The Vizcaya Museum is bordered by the magnificent Biscayne Bay.

Summary

The origins of the villa
Floridian-style architecture
Practical info

The origins of the villa

A step back in time. This sublime villa was designed by architect F. Burrall Hoffman and built in just two years. Owner James Deering, heir to a wealthy family, had only one requirement: that the 16th-century Italian style be respected. The businessman lived in this paradise until his death in 1925. He organised large banquets and also screened silent films in the patio, which was innovative at the time.

In 2004, Miami County granted nearly $50 million to restore Villa Vizcaya.

After Deering's death, the villa was sold to Miami Dade County, which opened the house to the public in 1953. Villa Vizcaya was subsequently classified as a National Historic Landmark in 1994.

Floridian-style architecture

A little gem in Miami, the villa impresses from the inside with its marble from Europe and its limestone from Florida. The number of rooms is mind-boggling: 70 rooms, including 19 bathrooms. And all the rooms are adorned with a multitude of works of art and vintage furniture from Deering's many trips to Europe and the United States. Each room is unique, with its own identity, decoration and ambience. Deering has harmonised each space in the villa by blending four styles: rococo, neo-classical, baroque and renaissance.

You only have to glance out of one of the many windows to discover the breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay. At the foot of the villa, close to the water, an immense stone barge adorned with statues (of tritons and mermaids, but also Egyptian obelisks and Venetian poles) blocks the access to the waves.

The name Vizcaya derives from the Spanish Basque province of Vizcaya. In Basque, the name means "elevated place".

Remarkable exteriors

The exteriors magnify the ensemble. The gardens were sublimated by head gardener Diego Suarez. For seven years, he perfected these green spaces with waterfalls, statues, a theatre, a fountain, a casino, trees, aromatic plants and, above all, a bevy of flowers.

Where to sleep?

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The Altair Bay Harbor Hotel

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Practical info

📍 Location

3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, United States

👉 Time to visit

To explore this beautiful location, allow around three hours to visit.

👛 Price

You can take a self-guided tour with or without an audioguide ($5). Guided tours of the villa and gardens are also available for just $5. Ticket prices for adults are 22 dollars, for teenagers (13 to 17) is 15 dollars, for children aged 6 to 12 is 10 dollars; children up to 5 years old are free.

⏰ Opening times

The museum is open every day except Tuesday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

🚌 Getting there

Public transport provides easy access via the metrorail (Vizcaya station). Free on-site parking is available for those opting to drive.

James Deering's Vizcaya Museum, built in the style of a 16th-century North Italian villa, is located in Coconut Grove near downtown Miami.

Unusual

Wine and tea tastings are sometimes organised on the villa's beautiful terrace. This museum and its gardens are located about 2 km south-west of downtown Miami.

If the villa rings a bell, it's because it has been the setting for several Hollywood films: Bodyguard, Iron Man 3, Ace Ventura... Even more unusual, it was also the place chosen as the meeting place between President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II in 1987.

by Val HANCOCK | Editor

Val Hancock is an editor, writer and researcher. While she is currently based in Paris, she previously lived in London and Brussels. She holds a Masters degree in International Relations from King’s College London.

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