If you’re looking for a place to visit while on vacation in Miami, the Vizcaya Museum And Gardens is your spot. The Museum is a national historic landmark estate located on Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida.
It’s one of my favorite places to spend time with friends and family.
The grounds are just absolutely beautiful, and they offer so many different options depending on what you’re looking for.
If you want a guided tour, there are tours that take about two hours that cover the entire property including an inside look at the historic mansion that everyone from Jules Verne to Teddy Roosevelt has visited over its 100-year history.
There’s also a coffee shop if you need some caffeine before exploring more or maybe a snack after!
You can’t go wrong with this gem in Miami – it’ll be worth the drive!
A Brief History of Visit Vizcaya Museum And Gardens
It was the former private residence and garden of entrepreneur James Deering as his winter home with gardens that showcased the Mediterranean Revival architecture style.
Vizcaya, a living museum, is dedicated to the early days and rise of Miami as a destination. European design.
The house and gardens are now a museum full of art, antiques, furniture, textiles, and more from around the world that showcases Gilded Age splendor.
The property is situated on 11 acres of beautiful grounds and has 34 public rooms spread over several floors.
It is home to a decorative art collection, 10 acres of formal gardens, and a Rockland hammock (a native forest). It’s also where you can experience Deering’s commitment to world-class agriculture.
The Vizcaya Museum houses over two hundred different types of furnishings ranging from modern arts to indigenous crafts.
The interior architecture features a combination of traditional and modern design, creating a feeling of openness and space while providing a glimpse into the rich history of Miami.
While inside, one can see period pieces such as a four-poster bed or a specimen vase. The gardens provide a relaxing escape from the fast-paced life of Miami.
The gardens are the primary focus of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and are the product of a partnership between the city of Miami and the world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The project was initiated in order to create a museum showcasing works from Wright’s career, which is now dedicated to preserving Miami’s rich heritage.
With a combination of botanical and historic gardens, you will see an insight into the rich past of Miami’s culture.
A lush tropical garden, featuring a water tower, observation tower, bridge, pavilion, and lush tropical plants, surrounded by a backdrop of beautiful landscaping is where visitors can find the perfect place to relax and take in the surroundings.
Main Attractions of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- One of the main attractions of the museum is The Vestibule is a beautiful space with old-fashioned wallpaper and it’s the perfect place to start your tour. The original, hand-painted wallpaper that still hangs in this room has not faded or chipped over time – just like its first owner would have wanted!
- Another attraction is the villa courtyard, which is built on the banks of the river Alzate and has a beautiful view across the city of Miami. The villa courtyard has become a favorite attraction for locals and tourists alike.
- There is another major attraction within the villa, the private swimming pool, which is landscaped with natural landscaping and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. It is a unique combination of modern luxury and traditional retreats.
Open your eyes to the history of formal events in The Butler’s Storeroom.
You will find antique, finely-crafted glassware that has been untouched since 1916 and used for some of those most important occasions.
There were many new technological marvels in the home, including a central vacuum system and central heating, dumbwaiters as well as an automatic dialing telephone exchange that didn’t require a switchboard (the first-ever in Miami), refrigeration, a burglar alarm, refrigeration, and a pool that could be filled either with freshwater or seawater.
In the event of a fire, there were fire hydrants and water hoses on each floor. Incredible technology for a private residence at the turn of this century.
The main house was a jewel in a young Miami.
It is built in Mediterranean-style architecture.
It displays collections from Pompeii through the early 20th Century. Vizcaya is a cultural attraction that lets people connect with Miami’s past through a secluded area of greenery.
James Deering, just like Jay Gatsby’s fictional The Great Gatsby made it a point to throw lavish parties at his house.
His parties attracted all kinds of celebrities…
Lillian Gish, an old film star, was also a frequent visitor as was Thomas Edison. Even President Warren G. Harding visited Vizcaya once in his tenure.
Peterson says that Deering enjoyed showing movies to his houseguests.
Peterson said, “He used to watch this program called Pathoscope.” It was almost like Netflix’s great-grandfather. Each week, he was given five reels of film that he could show to large audiences.
How much did it cost to build Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
James Deering estimated that Vizcaya cost $10-15 million to construct between 1914-1922, at the height of WWI.
To rival the grande villas of Venice or Tuscany, he spent eight years importing antiquities from Europe.
Today, Vizcaya’s value is $388 million.
How much does it cost to go to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
Adult admission costs $22 and children 6-12 years old $10. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, check out their website.
What movies were filmed at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
Based on IMDB this museum has been “featured” in many videos and music as outlined: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – 3251 S Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, USA” (Sorted by Popularity Ascending)
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
- Days of Our Lives (1965)
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
- Bad Boys II (2003)
- Flight of the Navigator (1986)
- Absence of Malice (1981)
- The Money Pit (1986)
- Any Given Sunday (1999)
- Airport ’77 (1977)
- Tony Rome (1967)
- The Champ (1979)
- Friendship (2008)
- Miami Rhapsody (1995)
- This Thing of Ours (2003)
- Haunts of the Very Rich (1972 TV Movie)
- The Fury of the Karate Experts (1982)
- Daring Game (1968)
- The Emperor’s New Clothes (1966)
- Bee Gees: Secret Love (1991 Video)
Can you take pictures at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
One of the most popular locations for weddings and engagement photos is Vizcaya Museum & Garden.
Photographing inside the house is prohibited due to fragile personal effects and collectibles. However, you are allowed to take photos and videos in the gardens and other areas.
Can you have a picnic at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
It’s the best picnic spot in Miami!
How long does it take to tour Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
It all depends on how much time you are willing to spend wandering around the property, seeing everything. It’s possible to spend the entire day here.
You can sit in the beautiful gardens or on a bench looking out to the ocean. It is very beautiful there, so take your time.
A guided tour is a great way to maximize your time. Visitors love guided tours.
There are several options available.
- For $5, you can get a 90-minute audio tour that allows you to choose your own route as you navigate through the main house and gardens.
- You can get an interactive, guided tour for $5 if the garden is your primary interest. It will cover everything, from the landscaping choices to the animals that call it their home.
If you’re short on time, Vizcaya is a great place to spend hours without feeling bored. You might have to choose between gardens or the house if you are short on time.
You could spend 30 minutes each, but it’s better to choose one than the other to maximize your experience.
Is there parking at Vizcaya Museum?
Public transport is available with easy access from the Vizcaya Metrorail station, but there’s also free parking should you choose to drive.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens programs activities
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami is the premier venue for memorable special events with its magnificent architecture and magical gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay.
It is hard to find a better way to spend an evening with friends, family, colleagues, clients, or coworkers than Vizcaya. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens offers stunning venues for corporate events, weddings, and social events.
Their staff is ready to help you make your event memorable.
For those who want to have professional photographs taken in the beautiful and decorative gardens on the historic estate, they offer photo permits.
Looking for Hotels near Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South
This hotel is located in a quiet, residential area. It is 8.6 miles away from Miami International Airport.
The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool and rooms that have a balcony. Every room at Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South has free Wi-Fi. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator and an iPod docking station. Satellite TV is also available in the rooms.
The Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South offers private cabanas by the pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Continental breakfast is also available.
It is conveniently located just 8 miles from Miami International Airport and adjacent to Brickell Business District. Only minutes to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
The boutique Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami offers a charming, villa-like atmosphere. It is located in one of Miami’s most lively neighborhoods.
There are many attractions nearby, including shopping, dining, and sailing.
Many festivals and events are also included in the “Calendar of Events.” It is an ideal place to relax for leisure or business travel, with its high ceilings, Venetian stucco columns, and fragrant roses.
Savor cuisine from their very own Bizcaya restaurant, renowned for its Mediterranean-influenced fare, enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday and an after-work cocktail at Fontana Lounge, the area’s only upscale live music venue, or be pampered in the city’s finest Boutique Spa.
These rooms, which have been beautifully renovated, offer stunning views from their private balconies. They are the ideal spot to see Miami and Biscayne Bay.
This hotel is committed to protecting the environment and will be a delight for eco-conscious guests.
Coconut Grove Ritz retains the same high-polished marble design and prompt, reliable customer service that made Ritz famous.
The hotel is an Italian Renaissance-style hotel with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Novotel Miami Brickell
Novotel Miami Brickell has a rooftop pool and is located in Miami’s Brickell district. It is 1.2 miles from Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The hotel’s restaurant is open to guests.
Every modern room has an air conditioner and a flat-screen TV that can be viewed with cable channels. You will find complimentary toiletries and hair dryers in every room.
The Brickell Hotel has 7 meeting rooms, a bar on-site, and a business center.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell Downtown
This charming hotel is located in Miami’s downtown area. It offers guests great access to the many attractions of the area. The Vizcaya Museum & Garde are just a few minutes away from the hotel. The charming hotel promises a relaxing stay and warm hospitality.
All of Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown, FL’s 221 rooms are air-conditioned and have an array of amenities, including refrigerators, coffee makers, and free local calls.
Satellite channels are available on 39-inch LED TVs. Guests can also stay connected via WiFi. The bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers. Additional standard amenities include desks and safes that are compatible with laptops.
Guests of Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown, FL have access to an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and free WiFi in public areas. Self-parking costs USD 28 per night if you drive.
There is also a shuttle to the cruise terminal. Multilingual staff is available to help with luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, concierge, and other services. You will also find a 24-hour business center, coffee/tea, and an express check-out.
Conrad Miami
The 36-story hotel in downtown Miami, Florida is made of steel and concave glass. It towers over the bay and skyline. The property’s minimalist design and personalized service combine to create an unforgettable South Florida escape.
It is located minutes from South Beach Convention Center and Key Biscayne. Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room offers modern, global cuisine and stunning views of Miami’s sunsets.
You can order a cocktail or choose from more than 50 wines by the glass at The Bar 25.
The 24th-floor Spa offers more than 60 treatment options.
Enjoy a signature facial or hot stone massage.
The adjacent Fitness Center is a 24-hour fitness center that offers modern cardio and resistance training equipment.
The Conrad Miami Hotel offers stunning views of Miami from two rooftop courts.
You can also relax on the rooftop cabana or volley tennis balls.
In Conclusion…
Due to the old age of the grounds and dedication to preservation, you should notice that the property has uneven floors and many steps, just as Deering did.
You’ll find an amazing decorative art collection as well as acres of formal gardens, a historic village, and a mangrove shore.
Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens estate offer a unique opportunity to learn about the local culture and history in a setting unlike any other in Miami.
Located at 3251 South Miami Avenue, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a must-see for anyone who loves architecture, gardens, or history from Europe.
From the moment you set foot on its 50 acres (20 hectares) of waterfront property to when you walk through the meticulously designed gardens, it’s easy to imagine why so many people come here to relax.
Plan your visit today!
