Vizcaya Museum

General information

Destination	Category
Miami, United States	Attractions/Entertainment

Program details

Visit Villa Vizcaya in Biscayne Bay and travel back to a world of luxury, elegance and sophistication. This century-old mansion was built in what was then a mangrove swamp as the summer residence of millionaire industrialist James Deering and is today is a museum and gardens that stands as a testament to the last days of the Belle Epoque. Rarely for such a stately home, all original antique furniture and artworks are still in place.

The villa was built in the Mediterranean revival style that fused influences of Italian Renaissance and Spanish colonial and Venetian Gothic architecture – and if approached by boat as Deering wanted, it certainly has the feel of Venice. The main house, which a baroque-inspired façade, consists of 34 decorated rooms organised around a central courtyard. The reception and leisure spaces such as the library, living room and dining room are on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are upstairs. The beautifully landscaped gardens blend classical European design traditions with the subtropical plants of southern Florida.

Stroll through the house and gardens, and admire the fascinating frescoes, furniture and art works. Italy in 18th century was architect Paul Chalfin’s main inspiration for Vizcaya, ranging from the highly decorative rococo to the more linear and austere neo-classical style. He scoured the country for objects and the music room is an ode to Milan while the reception room pays homage to Palermo. The gardens feature stunning sculptures, both contemporary and antique, many of which came from Venetian villas. Among the many plants and trees are oaks, palms and orchids.

Meeting/pick-up point: Collection from hotels.
Duration: Four hours.
Start/opening time: Exact time and location will be confirmed after booking.