AN iconic Miami museum that was once the personal mansion of the city's own "Jay Gatsby" brings European elegance to American shores, with 10 acres of lush gardens and an ocean view. The historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami , Florida, hosts an array of activities for the public and is the backdrop for countless photoshoots, weddings , and events. "Vizcaya is the perfect place for any kind of special event, whether that's a wedding, anniversary, or birthday,” said Aaliyah Pasols, native South Floridian and editor at The U.
S. Sun, “I took my mom for Mother's Day and she had the best time taking pictures in front of the beautiful scenes of the garden and museum." It's no secret why it's so popular for photos: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens sits on 43 acres of land, with over 10 acres dedicated to jaw-dropping gardens resembling those of Versailles in France.
The Formal Garden has an array of low-trim shrubs laid out in geometric patterns with palm trees to add a signature tropical touch. READ MORE on Travel Inside the mansion, which is now a museum, guests will notice sleek marble floors accompanied by glass-stained doors. The mansion has over 70 rooms, half of which hold treasures dating back to the 15th century, according to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau .
"The museum is immaculately preserved, with many of the original owner's belongings on display from suitcases to dinnerware and books,” Pasols said. The jaw-dropping estate was first built in 1914 by James Deering, an industrialist with ambitious dreams. Most read in Beach holidays Deering aimed to incorporate 20th-century technology with Renaissance architecture, leading to the creation of his world-class mansion.
The architect was deemed "Miami's Jay Gatsby" due to his bachelor lifestyle, often throwing parties at the massive mansion. Deering vacationed at the property from 1916 to 1925 but ultimately left the estate to his nieces. To add his own personal touch to the place, Deering included a swimming pool to channel his love for marine activities and celebrated his passion for film by playing Charlie Chaplin films in his open-air courtyard.
Although the pool can't be used by visitors today, it's still there to marvel at in all its glory. Vizcaya is not just known for its scenic views. The property also hosts monthly events for the public.
This August, the estate will be hosting a farmers market, back-to-school fair, and more. On August 6, it will host the legendary White Party and The AIDS Era livestream. The museum invites guests to “step into the history and legacy of Miami's iconic White Party, a symbol of unity and resilience during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s,” according to a description on Eventbrite .
The one-hour livestream will allow guests to hear personal stories from the 1980s Miami AIDS epidemic and celebrate the resilience of the South Florida LGBTQ+ community. Two nights later, on August 8, the museum will invite guests to step into the historic gardens to celebrate the variety of flavors the community has to offer at the Vizcaya Village Night Market. The museum is immaculately preserved, with many of the original owner's belongings on display from suitcases to dinnerware and books.
The market will be selling everything from home-baked goods to hand-crafted goods, according to an Eventbrite description for the market. That's not the only place available on the property to catch a bite, though. The museum offers a cafe and gift shop, where you can snack on avocado toast, jerk chicken wings with BBQ guava sauce, empanadas, pizza, sandwiches, and more.
"Be sure to visit the cafe for a refreshing treat that will help you escape the South Florida heat,” Pasols recommended. The cafe even offers wine and dessert for those with a sweet tooth. Over 100 years after it was first built, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens has become a cultural icon in the city.
Deering's nieces gave the property to Miami-Dade County in the 1950s to open to the public and it is now operated by the nonprofit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Trust, which focuses on contributing to the sustainability of its community. Read More on The US Sun "Vizcaya’s mission is to preserve the estate’s cultural and environmental resources to engage people in connecting with the past, understanding the present, and shaping the future," the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens website states. Every year, the property hosts educational programs, community events, and school partnerships that impact over 5,000 K-12 students each year.
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