Art Deco Weekend

Art Deco Weekend’s 48th annual celebration shines a spotlight on the Art Deco Historic District and the architectural legacy of Greater Miami & Miami Beach. Surrounded by the sun-kissed shores of South Beach, Art Deco Weekend is a highly-anticipated cultural event organized by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL).

Established in 1977, Art Deco Weekend has been a cornerstone for preserving and showcasing the architectural gems on Ocean Drive. The festival is a free community event where locals and tourists alike can enjoy guided tours, lectures, classic car exhibitions, antique displays, films, family-friendly events and more. Spanning along Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 12th Street, the festival deepens attendees’ knowledge of and appreciation for the destination’s architectural evolution from the past to the present.

Read on for a recap of the 2024 Art Deco Weekend.

Discover key events to attend during this year’s Art Deco Weekend in our comprehensive guide.

Shows

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show

January 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15

Dive into a world of timeless treasures at The Original Miami Beach Antique Show in the Miami Beach Convention Center. Explore global antiques from over 600 domestic and international dealers from 30 countries at the prestigious annual showcase. Snag antique gems like home décor, furniture, vintage fashion, jewelry, art and more and bring a piece of history home with you.

Classic Car Show by the Antique Automobile Club of America South Florida Region

January 13 and 14

Rev up your vintage engines at the Classic Car Show by the Antique Automobile Club of America South Florida Region, where aficionados of antique automobiles can experience the charm of vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles from as early as the 1900s through 1991. Stroll along Ocean Drive from 5th to 10th streets to drive back in time as you view Florida’s vintage cars.

Tours

Hotel Names, Bas Reliefs and Terrazzo Floors – Art Deco Secrets Hiding in Plain Sight

January 13

Uncover the cultural, artistic and political messages behind Miami’s most iconic Art Deco structures with Hotel Names, Bas Reliefs and Terrazzo Floors – Art Deco Secrets Hiding in Plain Sight at the Art Deco Museum. Join seasoned tour guide Joel Levine as he leads you on an architectural expedition to study the cryptic messages from the 1930s and 1940s hidden in everyday sculptures and buildings.

Ocean Drive Architectural Tour

January 12, 13 and 14

Explore Miami’s architectural tapestry with the Ocean Drive Architectural Tour, an official Art Deco Walking Tour. Delve into the iconic styles of Art Deco, Miami Modern (MiMo) and Mediterranean Revival embedded throughout the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District during this curated walking tour that will last 1.5 to 2 hours.

Deco Nights and Neon Lights Tour

January 13 and 14

As the sun sets, Miami’s Art Deco buildings will come alive at night with the Deco Nights and Neon Lights Tour, an immersive journey in which you’ll traverse Ocean Drive to see the lighting that defines Miami Beach. Learn about the history behind the art of neon lights, which has had a rise, fall and resurgence over decades of lighting up Miami Beach’s historic structures after dusk.

Spanish Art Deco Walking Tour

January 14

Witness a cultural exploration of the Spanish influences woven into Miami Beach’s hidden gems at the Spanish Art Deco Walking Tour. Designed for Spanish-speaking enthusiasts, the free tour will be conducted entirely in Spanish and guided by Caro the Tour Guide.

Legends of Lincoln Road Tour

January 14

Time travel from 1912 to the present day with the Legends of Lincoln Road Tour as you learn about the evolution of one of Miami Beach’s most-famous streets. Departing from the Albion Hotel, the tour will reveal how historical events and geography have molded Miami Beach’s architectural landscape over the past 100 years.

Lectures

Deco Deep Dive

January 13

Led by The Wolfsonian-FIU curator Lea Nickless, Deco Deep Dive will showcase the narratives surrounding the artifacts and features found in and around 1001 Washington Avenue. Gain a deeper appreciation for the finer Art Deco details and origins of historic structures like the Miami River bridge tender’s house and Norris Theater’s frozen fountain.

The Florida House, 1945-1965

January 13

Discover the story of The Florida House, the famous one-story, concrete house fashioned with intricate features like louvered windows, screened porches and an enticing Florida room. This architectural style gained popularity in post-World War II Miami and is now a signature mid-20th century style that has expanded across suburban Florida neighborhoods.

Dwell Time

January 13

Architectural preservation is a complex process that conservator Rosa Lowinger discusses in her recently published memoir Dwell Time, and it will be the subject of this lecture. Lowinger’s local conservation efforts have restored historic tropical landmarks, including Miami Marine Stadium, the Wolfsonian’s exterior and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.

Live Performances

LeNard Rutledge & Mike Cady present "Cole Porter and Friends"

January 13

Immerse yourself in jazz at LeNard Rutledge & Mike Cady present "Cole Porter and Friends." Rutledge is a Miami native whose music was inspired by his parents’ collection of classical, hymns, jazz and the funky tunes of James Brown.

South Florida Jazz Orchestra

January 13

Enjoy the big band sounds of South Florida Jazz Orchestra featuring vocalist Lisanne Lyons, with jazz artists and studio musicians from all over Miami.

Brazilian Band and Samba Dancers

January 14

Surround yourself with the rich culture of Brazil with Brazilian Band and Samba Dancers when Brazilian & Latin Sounds Co. takes the Jazz Age Stage at Lummus Park. Their captivating tunes and spirited rhythms celebrate the Brazilian roots present throughout Miami.

FIU Art Deco Combo

January 14

Get blown away by the multi-award-winning vocal jazz ensemble the Florida International University Panthonics at FIU Art Deco Combo under the direction of Lisanne Lyons. The live performance will feature contemporary music, Latin melodies, jazz-influenced tunes and a cappella.

Jesse Jones Jr. Jazz Ensemble

January 14

Partnered with his brother and esteemed trumpeter Melton Mustafa, Miamian saxophonist Jesse Jones Jr. has been a driving force in Miami’s jazz renaissance. Enjoy the Jesse Jones Jr. Jazz Ensemble as they perform on the Jazz Age Stage at Lummus Park.

By: Zebrina E. | December 13, 2023