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Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Attractions
Named after one of the most captivating shorelines on the Spanish coast, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens captures jaw-dropping European extravagance in an enchanting American context. The home’s builder, James Deering, was a prolific industrialist who explored uncharted territory in the creation of this ambitious home, building his Renaissance-inspired estate at the heart of Miami’s tropical hardwood hammock. Although inspired by the earlier architectural style, the home was very innovative in its incorporation of the modern technology available at the time of its construction (1914), including everything from details on how the structure itself was built to the incorporation of modern touches such as a telephone switching system and a central vacuum system. Though he only wintered at Vizcaya from 1916 to 1925, upon James’s departure, the estate was left to several nieces and nephews.
Deering’s adventurous spirit lives on to this day. The estate’s very emblem – “The Caravel” – commemorates a ship used during the “Age of Exploration.” As you begin your own exploration of this historic Miami icon, you’ll notice an image of the mythical voyager “Bel Vizcaya” at the entrance, marking the beginning of a most memorable journey ahead.
Inside the Main House
In 1914, Deering enlisted 1,000 workers to bring his dream home to life. He and his design partner Paul Chalfin scoured Europe for the finest furnishings, antiques and paintings. The duo imported gilded panels, carved mantels and fresco ceilings from Tuscany and France to line the villa walls. It took years to perfect the mansion’s 70-plus rooms, 34 of which overflow with treasures dating back to the 15th century.
As you enter the Tea Room, you’ll notice sleek marble floors, reflecting a rainbow of light, beaming through stained glass doors.
Step into the Breakfast Room and marvel at the motif, designed to represent the exchange of ideas during the “Age of Exploration” by combining Chinese ceramics with Neapolitan seascapes.
Finally, as you make your way into the Cathay Room, you’ll get a taste of the lavish accommodations enjoyed by movie star moguls such as Lillian Gish during her visit in 1917. But any trip to Vizcaya would be incomplete without a tour of its Eden-like grounds.
The Gardens
The greatest of photographs cannot convey the serenity of Vizcaya’s 10 acres of gardens. In many ways, the Formal Gardens resemble the layout of France’s Versailles. Low, trimmed shrubs organize walkways into mesmerizing, geometric patterns. Thick columns, lush mazes and classical statues also lend to its European aesthetic, but Vizcaya uniquely embraces its tropical surroundings as well. Here, palms, rare orchids and Cuban limestone infuse the palatial Mediterranean vibe with a signature Miami flair.
The sprawling Formal Gardens were designed by landscape architect Diego Suarez to feel like a great outdoor room, connecting to the main house along a north-south axis. Several architectural elements come together in one fluid, integrated space. A massive topiary-lined corridor gives way to The Mound, where The Casino pavilion provides an aerial view of the gardens. East of The Mound lies the Fountain Garden, a fountain imported from Sutri, Italy. Another must-see on your garden tour is The David A. Klein Orchidarium, which features a wide variety of orchids, including both Vandas and Cymbidiums.
Amenities
Deering was an avid seafarer and welcomed his guests by boat as well as by car. Just a few steps from the Yacht Landing, the swimming pool served as a refreshing remedy for a long hot day on the bay. In addition to his maritime passions, Deering had a penchant for pop culture and enjoyed watching Charlie Chaplin films in the open-air courtyard. Vizcaya has since become a star in its own right, appearing in films such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bad Boys II, and Iron Man 3. While you won’t be able to take a dip in the pool, you can experience a wide-ranging variety of special events held at the Museum and Gardens.
Cultural Impact
Located in the lively Coconut Grove neighborhood, Vizcaya has always been a cultural hub. Deering chose the Grove as the site of his winter retreat in order to preserve the natural habitat for future generations. After Deering’s passing, surviving family conveyed much of the property to Miami-Dade county, leading to its renaming as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Today, Deering’s dream of preservation and conservation is realized in many educational lessons and tours.
From Popes to pop stars, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens has played host to countless celebrities and dignitaries. And it’s still one of the most sought-after locations for photo shoots, weddings and events.
With customizable tour options and affordable ticket prices, there are plenty of ways to become part of Vizcaya’s legacy. Purchase tickets in advance.
Enjoy this video about places for your wedding or special event.
Visit Vizcaya's website for more details and rental rates.
WEDDINGS AND EVENTS AT VIZCAYA
MAJESTIC AND MAGICAL
With its majestic architecture and magical gardens on Biscayne Bay, Vizcaya is a stunning venue for weddings, corporate affairs and social events. Those who have enjoyed an evening at Vizcaya with family, friends, colleagues or clients know there is nothing quite like it!
Vizcaya is available for rent every day of the year except for certain major holidays. Our experienced staff in the facility rental program is eager to work with you to make your special event memorable.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS
EVENING RENTALS
Evening rentals are between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., with base fees, fees for additional guests, extended hours, and/or tenting. You and your guests have the exclusive use of the inner courtyard, outside terraces and gardens.
Please note that Vizcaya provides only the site and works with many pre-approved caterers and vendors to suit every budget and design vision.
DAYTIME GARDEN CEREMONIES
Vizcaya offers the option of intimate daytime garden ceremonies for those who wish to celebrate a special occasion, such as a marriage or other form of personal commitment on our beautiful grounds. Daytime ceremonies may take place anywhere in the gardens during the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is no access to the Main House for garden ceremony clients or their guests.
GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
There’s no better place than Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to tread lightly with an environmentally-conscious event inspired by the beauty already found throughout the estate.
Consider a simple Daytime Garden Ceremony on Vizcaya’s Garden Mound under its majestic oak trees, surrounded by your closest friends and family.
For your Evening Ceremony, most opt for elegant, reusable china and glassware. For your cocktail hour consider working with caterers that offer bamboo drink stirrers instead of plastic. Your menu can consider food selections from local farms and markets, reducing your carbon footprint. Plant-based centerpieces such as orchids allow guests to take home a beautiful gift that helps to clear carbon dioxide and refresh the air with oxygen.
Every day there are new and better ways to incorporate environmentally-conscious choices. Below are some questions to consider as you plan your event.
- Does the caterer and my menu choice use locally grown and/or organic food items?
- Do my vendors use electric, hybrid or biodiesel-powered delivery vehicles?
- How much of my decor and other elements are compostable and do the vendors compost or recycle after the event?
- Do my vendors use energy efficient lighting and Energy Star-rated appliances; do they actively recycle?
Only Vizcaya can offer a unique combination of natural beauty, historic architecture and bayfront views. Whether holding your wedding, party or reception, your guests will experience an event to remember for a lifetime.
Meeting and Event Space
Meeting Space: 38000.00
Meeting Rooms: 3
![Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, as viewed from Biscayne Bay.](https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_limit,w_600/crm/miamifl/Vizcaya_View_of_East_Facade_dusk_1440x9000-5209b89e5056a36_5209b9e5-5056-a36a-0b497fb90a5cc1c8.jpg)
Vizcaya Village Farmers Market
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Vizcaya Village Night Market
![Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, as viewed from Biscayne Bay.](https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_limit,w_600/crm/miamifl/Vizcaya_View_of_East_Facade_dusk_1440x9000-5209b89e5056a36_5209b9e5-5056-a36a-0b497fb90a5cc1c8.jpg)
Vizcaya's Pool Grotto: A Behind the Scenes Guided Tour
![Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, as viewed from Biscayne Bay.](https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_limit,w_600/crm/miamifl/Vizcaya_View_of_East_Facade_dusk_1440x9000-5209b89e5056a36_5209b9e5-5056-a36a-0b497fb90a5cc1c8.jpg)
Exhibition Reception: Pastiche by Lauren Shapiro
![Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, as viewed from Biscayne Bay.](https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_limit,w_600/crm/miamifl/Vizcaya_View_of_East_Facade_dusk_1440x9000-5209b89e5056a36_5209b9e5-5056-a36a-0b497fb90a5cc1c8.jpg)
International Coastal Cleanup at Vizcaya
![Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, as viewed from Biscayne Bay.](https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_limit,w_600/crm/miamifl/Vizcaya_View_of_East_Facade_dusk_1440x9000-5209b89e5056a36_5209b9e5-5056-a36a-0b497fb90a5cc1c8.jpg)
Musical Vizcaya: Backing Black Belonging with Hued Songs
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