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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Museums, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
3251 S Miami AveMiami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
93 reviews for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Review Highlights
"The mansion and grounds are both truly whimsical."
(in 26 reviews)
"The guide called Deering eclectic."
(in 12 reviews)
"Plan for a morning and join the free guided tour."
(in 6 reviews)
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93 reviews in English
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Review from Gari S.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/16/2012
am a Miamian and I remember going to Vizcaya in grammar school and thinking, "Oh my God, people lived like this?" James Deering sure did!
This is the BEST - a MUST see attraction in Miami. You definitely can spend the day in the Renaissance era and the entire home is original (except the class over the atrium). They included the glass over the atrium to install the air conditioning system. Other than that, each piece of furniture is mostly imported from Venetian palaces.
The home's entrance is easy to miss and you should have navigation or something like that! Once you are in, visit the spectacular home and the amazingly gorgeous lush gardens. It is incredible to believe that the gardens seen now are just a fraction of yesteryear! The gardens were sold (in part) to the area that Mercy Hospital is on!
Amazing place! DO NOT MISS OUT! -
Review from Elle D.
West Covina, CA
1/29/2012
Minus one star for all the Mis Quincinera girls everywhere! It felt like at least a third of the gardens were off limits. Though, I can't really blame them for wanting their pictures taken there; the gardens were really beautiful.
It was a nice surprise and a highlight of my trip to Miami. We spent about two hours here visiting James Deering's old home, listening to the organ and imagining what it was like to stay here when it was in its finest condition. What parties did he have? Who is James Deering and did he have an affair with his housekeeper? Was she the only female in the house, or was the affair with his male driver? No other residents were mentioned. Well, what about his other servants? Did he always have guests in his numerous guest rooms? Just how many farm machines did he have to sell to create a place like this? I want a secret door like this! And so on, and so on. It was a fun, imaginative day.
Just don't get in the way of one of those Mis Quincinera girls. Their entourage will scrunch up their noses at you and you know it isn't from the nearby sea water. -
Review from Sam S.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a beautiful surprise located in Miami, Florida. Modern 20th century American meets European arts and cultures in this home and estate modeled after the aristocratic estates of old European families. The Italian Renaissance-style villa and gardens were in a word remarkable and incredibly very interesting and well decorated.
The European art and antique furniture throughout the villa includes some amazing works and the architecture of the home itself is grandiose and inspiring. Visiting Vizcaya you do have to wonder about the pretentiousness of James Deering who built the estate in the early 20th century, but I guess when you're rich you can do whatever you like and don't have to answer to anyone.
For any visitor Vizcaya offers a lot to see and explore, so make sure to plan ahead and schedule a few hours for your visit. You won't be disappointed and you're sure to have a good time. The admission cost was a little expensive, in my opinion, given the lack of amenities and a rather boring docent tour that was included, but the price is what it is. -
Review from Cryetti C.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2012
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Beautiful and breath-taking. Love that there is this place of tranquility in the busy-ness of Miami. I really enjoyed exploring all the nooks and crannies of the garden. A great place to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon stroll.
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Review from felicia b.
Miami, FL
1/29/2012
I had free passes and decided to go on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. There was a lovely breeze blowing off Biscayne Bay, which made meandering through the gardens truly magical.
The house was the epitome of opulence and I am sure was state of the art when built. There were so many beautiful examples of craftsanship and attention to detail that one just does not see anymore.
Outside the vistas were breathtaking and there were some creepy and magical areas just waiting to be discovered.
There was a wedding being set up during the visit and I felt a little weird cutting through the preparations, but they seemed accustomed as the staff was completely unfazed by this. Also, this may not be the best place for someone with liited mobility, as much of the grounds are uneven and steps a little steep. -
Review from Marqus R.
10/27/2011
Vizcaya is one of the few examples of what can be accomplished when you give a interior decorators and architects unlimited money. So, if you want to know, you have to go, and you will be in for a treat.
The setting on the water, over looking the bay couldn't be more perfect. The structure itself is awesome, and though Deering must have paid for it all, it was a robbery of some of the finest treasures of Europe.
The sad part is that when it was first completed the grounds were much larger, there were canals with gondolas, but those are gone and can only now be imagined.
In all, Vizcaya is treasure of South Florida both historically and also the way it stands today.Listed in: The Finest of the Finest from…
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Review from Michael M.
Miami, FL
11/28/2011
Absolutely amazing! Beautiful place to go with a date or to take professional photos. If you live in Miami and you've never been, you need to go at least once! It's not expensive, and the last Sunday of the month they are even open free. They have several events throughout the year as well.
They have a huge mansion in the center where you can see architecture, rooms, furniture and other artwork that you would only find in a museum. It's just amazing. I loved the place ever since I came years ago for my first time. I've been back several times and I'm planning on going again soon. -
Review from Robert G.
Orlando, FL
10/8/2011
I was here on a gloomy day. The sky was mostly grey, although the blue and the sun peeked out towards the end of my time here. It had rained earlier, and it was getting ready to rain again.
That being said, even on a grey, rainy, Florida afternoon, Vizcaya is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
I think I'm going to propose to my girlfriend here one day.Listed in: Floridaventures!
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Review from Kristin W.
Plantation, FL
11/22/2011
Don't go to their Halloween Party. The quality has been compromised. This year, they ran out of cups and vodka. Thy bartenders were rude and they poured whatever tet waned to give you, not what you ordered. The lines were extremely long. Theiaic was bad this year.
I've been thre 3 times, and the times before we're amazing. This year (2011) was terrible. I will never pay $150 per person for the Vizacaya Halloqeen party again. -
Review from Lynne D.
11/14/2011
During the summer months, Vizcaya opens it's doors for free, one Sunday a month.
Take advantage of free days with the family.
Go see a real American castle right in Miami..
This is one of my favorite places to take visitors or to take my camera. Love the island in the back.. The gardens, The amphitheater. Vizcaya is a beautiful mansion/castle that has much history. -
Review from Sergio F.
Cue the music...http://youtu.be/HWqKPW...
Adjust the rabbit ears..it's time for MTV Cribs 1910 edition
Vizcaya has been the host of a couple of political summits, Miami movie gangster's mansion, and my favorite museum when I want to have a fun history lesson. From when I first went after reading Romeo and Juliet in 9th grade English, to various evening shindigs and yes, a date or two I am guaranteed to learn something about the estate that first put Miami on the map as a bling bling city. For example, I have learned that Vizcaya was the first house to have a central intercom system and commercial style kitchen. The various gardens are great to walk around in, take some pictures , make out (oops did I say that :)
In other words, a fun couple of hours during the day!Listed in: Sights to be Seen
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Review from Rachel P.
12/28/2011
What a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. Admission is $15. The Miami-Dade resident price of $10 is NO LONGER valid. We arrived a bit after 10am, and a long line had already formed on a Monday. They do offer free tours, we started one, but then dropped off and decided to explore on our own. The home (which looks like a castle) is amazing. The gardens go on forever. It would be nice to have a picnic here, but I don't think you can bring food/drinks inside. My in-laws loved it; I think this was the highlight of their trip to Miami. The views of the bay are outstanding. There were several brides there taking pictures.
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Review from Ana K.
Petaluma, CA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just a great spot in Miami. The volunteers are so well educated on the grounds and history they are just amazing!
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Review from Lindsay W.
Seattle, WA
6/3/2011
This was way more interesting than I thought it would be! Definitely take the free tour, it's totally worth it to learn about the house's interesting history. And the house has AC!
The gardens are gorgeous, and the views of Biscayne Bay beautiful as well.
There was plenty of free parking when I went on a Sunday, and it didn't feel that crowded on the grounds.
I would rate this as one of the must-dos if you are a tourist in a Miami for a few days or more! -
Review from Donald M.
Miami, FL
This place is BEAUTIFUL!
This is my escape from Miami, but still be in Miami...
Walk the mansion and the garden...
A lot of people use this place for professional photography.
Businesses use this place to host large parties...
They've even shot a few movies here!
They used to hold Renaissance Fairs here... I wish they'd bring that back... :(
If you are visiting Miami, or if you've lived here all your life; I definitely recommend that you stop by here for a few hours... It's stress release.
Also since its right on the water, I've also seen a few manatees come up to the side. -
Review from val a.
Irvine, CA
This place takes you back to the times of elegance.
Guys beware, your ladies will want to have their pics taken at almost every corner. -
Review from Amber E.
3/27/2011
This is the first of my adventures with my "Little Sister" (big brothers/big sisters) and it was a pretty good time! Thankfully we had free tickets, otherwise I'm not too sure the $20-$30 admission is worth it for two people. We brought a picnic and ate in the cafe gardens and did a self tour of the mansion and gardens. If I were going again, I'd probably do the guided tour because I didn't learn too much about the history or the design. The staff we encountered were helpful and the property was really well kept.
I love escaping to little gems that make me feel I'm not in Miami anymore, (Toto) but again, the price is what would stop me from returning often.
They were setting up for a wedding and there were SEVERAL quince pictures being taken. I can see this being an ideal spot for both.Listed in: I'm a Big Sister!!
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Review from Patty G.
7/20/2011
Oh Vizcaya, I remember you well. This was the backdrop for MY quiceañera pictures way back when. I love these gardens because they are so beautiful [even though they could improve] and romantic. And then there's the house. Well, with the lack of historical places in Miami, it appears that Vizcaya takes in all the glory sometimes.
If you haven't been, you should probably take a day and visit Vizcaya. I would suggest that you go during the "winter" months here when it's cool outside and you won't turn into a ball of fire walking through the gardens.
**I would recommend the tour so that you learn the history of the house, it's so interesting! -
Review from Tal T.
12/30/2010 ROTD 3/23/2011
Vizcaya takes my breath away!
Recently I took my parents and fiancé on what was my second visit to the estate and it was no less awe-inspriring than the first.
The main house is grand but tastefully done without ostentatious scale. The home has about ten bedrooms, some of which are perched in towers above the second floor. The spiral staircase on the south end winds its way from the ground floor up to the highest point in the home. Careful when you look down!
By far the most memorable area is the vast terrace in the center of the home. Open to the second floor and then enclosed in glass as the ceiling, you feel as if you are inside a greenhouse as you peer out the windows and at the plants.
I appreciate the different styles of architecture and decor used in the home's design, which reflect various eras and cultures. Each bedroom is named after a historical character, many of whom are women, and each is designed in homage to its namesake.
The gardens and waterfront landscapes are amazing. Make sure you explore the eastern edge of the garden and find the labyrinth and secret garden. Wander the (currently under construction but open) Tiffany & Co. sculpture gallery.
Vizcaya is a great value at $10 for Miami-Dade County residents, parking is free, it's easy to find, and there is a small shop selling snacks and drinks. You can wander almost the entire property, and they are working on restoring the basement level, which includes a pool area and will be open to the public upon completion.
The one small oddity I do not care for is the manner in which the male nude sculptures have had their private areas covered up with mismatched, awkward looking additions to the original art work. I view it as damaging to the original scupture; it is tacky and unnecessary. But what's done is now done and I shan't deny this five star place its glory for the small mistake.
Bottom Line: A unique, historic treasure that everyone will enjoy.Listed in: Tourist Time
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Review from Valerie S.
Center Barnstead, NH
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lovely gem. Well worth the visit.
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Review from Mercy M.
Washington, DC
12/19/2011
I would like to give it a 41/2--it is opulent, over-the-top, decadent, and ostentatious --and I loved it. Sometimes fantastic is just fantastic and we don't need a critique about the ills and extravagances of the uber wealthy. The gardens are beautiful , the location is wonderful, and the mansion is exquisite. There were two drawbacks: 1) the incredible amount of trash floating in the water and surrounding the grounds by the mangroves. Disgusting. The Naomi Fisher video--an artist's take on the extravagance of the rich based on her childhood memories of Vizcaya. It seemed out of place. Art is in the eyes of the beholder and it seemed out of place and odd--I just didn't behold--but that's just me, someone else might love it. It took me out of my happy zone momentarily--it kind of felt whiney. The grounds and house were simply not to be missed.
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Review from laura m.
3/6/2011
OMG! This place is beautiful! Go! Run, don't wait another Saturday to see this amazing mansion and grounds. The architecture is incredible and the mixture of Italian, French and Miami sensibilities are expertly matched. The "folly" in the back is incredible. As is the house and the grottos in the gardens. I was blown away by this local historic masterpiece. Thank you Mr. Harding for building such a beautiful escape.
Visit here during spring or winter before the Miami Heat. -
Review from Mihae C.
Rockville, MD
4/17/2011 30 photos
I wasn't much of a fan of the interior of the house. It was stuffy and hot and felt a little claustrophobic to me. We didn't spend much time in here, but others may find it more to their liking.
The outdoors, on the other hand, I was a huge fan of. There was so much beautiful scenery to see, sun to soak up, and interesting photos to take.
For students with ID and also for Miami-Dade residents, it's $10 admission. We used our student IDs to get in here. Without discount, general adult admission is $15. Parking is free/plentiful.
We ran out of room on our memory card while snapping photos outdoors. There was no problem going back to the car to get another memory card for the camera, as long as we had our admission ticket. So if anyone is wondering if you can enter and exit as you please, you most definitely can.
As other reviewers have stated, expect to see some quinceaneras while here. We probably saw about 4.
Apparently, some couples also honeymoon here? My bf and I got stopped by a middle-aged lady who sweetly offered to take our photo for us. She asked if we were on our honeymoon and seemed a little disappointed when we said no. She still took a couple nice photos for us though :) -
Review from Marianne S.
Manhattan Beach, CA
12/22/2010 1 photo
Ok, so I was really excited to spend a few days in Miami after our Caribbean tour. But what concerned me was that it seemed that there was a fear of not being able to see any historical architectures (beside the art deco buildings on South Beach). I WAS SO WRONG.
The Vizcaya Mansion was beautiful. I could not help but feel the "eerieness" of the rooms and imagine how Deering, his guests and servants lived during the early 1900's. This place had such a detailed and culturally themed rooms that it was hard not to look in on them and loosing track of time...just staring of every meticulous detail put in place by the designer.
The garden was gorgeous, but the downside was part of the orchid section was off limits/under construction at the time and we could not see through it. Ohh and you can't take photos inside the mansion but you can with the gardens. Check this place out if you're in Miami! -
Review from Victoria A.
Miami, FL
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful place I would love to do so photo shoot here. Its close to mercy hospital embed its in a great location. Breath taking.....
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Review from Richard K.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10/4/2010
Definitely a fun place to spend an afternoon with a date. It is a relaxing and cool place.
We walked in and the mansion is huge and the decor exudes class. There are restricted, roped off areas, but if your a sneaky ninja like my date and I you will be able to get a picture in those areas without them noticing. Outside there is gardens, a shipwreck, and a gazebo for memory making moments. Snap!
Its a magical manor on the water and when with someone, there is not much more one can ask for.
*tip* eat before coming here, the cafe is severely limited and mediocre at best.Listed in: 50 First Dates (So. Florida), A Night at the Museum
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Review from Bob G.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is one of the most wonderful, amazing creations!
Go if you are in Miami. -
Review from Billy D.
2/14/2011
This is one of those take your breath away experiences. When I turned the corner to get a view of the gardens, ocean, and stained glass window, I was surprised how over-the-top this place is. It's a mansion built in the early 1900's with heavy european influence, but with a Floridian spin. It was the best $15 that I've spent in a while.
The gardens have a rustic feel; some parts need a little touching up, but in general they are amazing. Every corner you turn there is something completely different - from a maze to a Florance-style canal. That's all I can say (don't want to ruin it).
The view of Biscayne Bay is pretty sick.... very cool with the bridges and sculptures in the water.
The house itself doesn't disappoint; amazing all around. Each room could independently furnish a regular house from top to bottom. The art collection is stunning. Be sure to read the blurbs in each room, they aren't unnecessarily wordy and provide a lot of context. My favorites - the library, sitting room, and music room.
Wish the bowling alley was still around and the basement was open :( -
Review from Ranel C.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10/7/2010
One complaint my wife and I have of Miami is the general lack of interesting places to see beautiful art and architecture. Vizcaya is definitely a gem in this city. I hadn't been since I was a kid, so it felt like an all new experience. My wife had never been. As an interior design student, it was obviously an unbelievable experience.
Our recommendation is take your camera and go nuts with the pics. We got some shots that can easily go in a photo coffee table book. You're not supposed to take pics inside but if you don't use flash and watch out for the guards you can take pics of all the rooms in the house (the courtyard is more difficult). -
Review from Maria A.
Miami, FL
5/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Reminding me slightly of Villa Borghese in Rome, Vizcaya is easily one of the most romantic spots in Miami. While the house is lovely it's the garden that make my heart pitter patter.
A moonlit stroll through the paths automatically transports you elsewhere and you can't resist wanting to walk ever so slowly, lingering just a bit longer on every step, breathing in the mix of the nearby bay and the manicured greenery. It's impossible to not be enchanted and difficult to resist reaching out and grabbing that certain someone's hand. Nothing like a garden at night to make feelings bloom.
Bring someone during one of the smaller nocturnal events, sit by a fountain or pick a quiet corner, and then to lift a lyric from Depeche Mode, "Enjoy The Silence."
note** this is a review of the gardens at night -
Review from MICHELLE C.
Miami, FL
5/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Walking into this beautiful historic landmark was stunning. This is a hidden gorgeous gem in Miami. You instantly feel like you are somewhere else. Want to escape the hustle and bustle on a relaxing day, come here. Refreshing, beautiful gardens, sculptures and statues, breathtaking views of the bay. So much to see.
I agree this is such a romantic place. As you stroll through the gardens and fountains you find yourself at peace and harmony. I would enjoy coming here with a book while sitting on a bench as it is such a relaxing atmosphere. To visit with out of town guest or with your significant other, a great time will be had. Reminiscing about your love while sitting or strolling through the oh so many acres of pure lushness beauty.
To see at night was so memorable. I am looking so forward to visiting again and again during the day, maybe even catch a tour. Price is no object for such beauty and elegance. This to me is a little piece of heaven and serenity. Can not wait to visit real soon as I think this might be one of my favorite places to visit in Miami. -
Review from Sandy S.
Campbell, CA
5/24/2010
This place sort of remind me of Hearst Castle in S. Ca. Although it's not quite as stunning as Hearst Castle, it's still worth checking out. There are guided tours, but you can also wander around the area on your own which is what my husband and I did. Pictures aren't allowed inside, but if you keep your distance from the tour guides and keep and eye out for the security guards and can take a pic fast without flash, go for it! I can't find the pics I took of the ship outside, but others did thankfully and the place is just stunning!
Anyways, the inside of the place is beautiful and the rooms look like something out of a medieval castle. There are only two levels. The rest of the place is closed off to the public. Outside the garden is stunning and looks sort of like a maze. The most impressive thing about this place is the ship carved from stone outside. It's a huge ship out in the water out in the back. It was just stunning. The day we were there, a wedding was going on. Wow, what a romantic spot to have a wedding at. We saw the bride outside and it felt like we were witnessing a celebrity wedding, but we weren't. Not as far as I could tell anyways, lol. -
Review from Marie M.
Miami, FL
5/5/2011
I LOVE Vizcaya. I love anything with history behind it. Take your time to explore inside and out. The gardens are breath taking soo beautiful. Great place to have a picnic. I really enjoy visiting during christmas time beautiful weather, and gorgeous decorations! please do yourself a favor and visit. Cheaper rates for miami locals.
Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Vanessa T.
Atlanta, GA
5/19/2009
I can count the number of wondrous landmarks, monuments, and pinnacles of human achievement that don't involve exploitation, slavery or a really rich douchebag on one hand. People who have access to the world's wonders and riches sometimes die and let us get a peek into their sordid, aristocratic lives. I, for one, have a grand ol' time imagining the depravity and debauchery of said filthy rich people and their horned minions.
My hedonistic voyage was mildly marred by the abundance of Quinceañeras on the premises, but otherwise, I had a rewarding and intriguing experience.
Said intrigue was intermittently destroyed by the wafting stench of methane and sewage that rose from the bowels of the bay. They definitely need to address the foul odor. It's downright ghastly. -
Review from Alayne H.
3/17/2010 6 photos
Truly an amazing property. My company rented Vizcaya for a dinner party. We arrived about an hour before dark which allowed us to walk the gardens and take in this absolutely gorgeous property. We only had access to the atrium and the side room leading out to the gardens and it left me wanting more. I did peak into the music room and also the front room. Very beautiful.
Our dinner was in the back of the house overlooking the bay - stunning.
I would love the opportunity to visit this property in the daytime and explore it from top to bottom. -
Review from Marcos R.
9/13/2008
Beautiful Miami landmark, worth checking out. If you go, try to pick a day when it's not so hot; as you'll be doing a lot of walking and you'll want to explore the estate's gardens.
If you take the tour, try to get the older southern looking gentleman-dudeman. He's the best guide there.
Vizcaya hosts a lot of big soiree's, so if you ever get a chance to go; I suggest you check out a groovy shin-dig there.
Rumor has it the owner was gay, and I'm inclined to believe it. Originally he just wanted a simple estate with a big porch overlooking the water. Then he met the person who would eventually design the place. So here's what probably happened. Deering(the owner) meets this "fab designer" and once the designer realizes how much money Deering has, he goes way overboard in creating this over the top place.
"Oh honey, we need to go to Italy and buy this, and then you'll take me to Paris and we'll be these classic period what-not's. And THENNN.... we'll buy Mozart's baby piano thingy, etc.etc." You get the picture.
I think this story makes sense, because Deering never married and he had a lifelong 'friendship' with the designer who talked him into creating this opulent masterpiece with his money when all he wanted was a quiet warm home to go to in the winter time to escape the cold northern winter climate.
You go and draw your own conclusions. I just think it's funny that the Vizcaya people avoid the obvious likelihood. I mean come on, we're in the new millennium. If the guy was gay, that's what he was. Get over it. Don't try to sweep it under the rug like an out of touch, ashamed grandparent. -
Review from Topher G.
Chicago, IL
7/23/2010
Vizcaya is beautiful and definitely worth the trip. At times it's difficult to believe you're still in Miami... but the tropical nature of these European gardens is what makes it so unique. I really enjoyed the part of the house that's located directly on the waterfront. It was really neat to see all of the small crabs wandering around the steps. It was a bit expensive though. $10 for a student ticket is too much in my opinion. I also wish they'd get someone out there to clean up all the trash that the water has brought in.
Overall a nice peaceful place. Try to get there early in the morning before the tourists arrive. -
Review from MELEK L.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2009 3 photos
I was recommended to go to Vizcaya by my bicycle rental agent. He said it was a nice 10 mile ride through Miami from South Beach. He presented me with the brochure and off I was with my two friends in tow.
It was a winding ride. There were times when I wondered if we were going to reach our destination. Being that I am from Chicago where it is freaking freezing most of the year, I was surprised that Miami, where it is warm most of the year, does not have a bike and running path along the water. The ride was sometimes treacherous (as it can be in Chicago as well), but alas we reached the front gates of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
I found the path leading to the entrance of this attraction to be a serene respite in the midst of the city of Miami. There was a fun headless statue that I (of course) had to take a picture with my head replacing his. Funny, huh? There are lots of picture taking opportunities throughout the attraction, so I imagine this to be a photographer's paradise. Expansive. Well, now that I think about it, there were brides and models partaking in photographic sessions. Duh! I bet the gardens are even more gorgeous in the summer than when I was there in February.
The mansion itself is pretty boring to be frank. Stand behind a rope or glass and peer into an old room. *snore* I enjoyed some of the fixin's including hand-carved wood, doors, canopy beds, dinnerware, ornate paintings, and such. I may have been able to appreciate it more had I taken the guided tour. The courtyard of the mansion is pretty kick*ss though. I wish I had one in my place. Talk about a nice golden tan!
The gardens reached for further than I could have imagined. We wondered throughout and took an obsessive amount of photos. I can imagine this would be a radical place to spend the day with a couple of j's, a good friend, and lots of time to kill. Fun!
The admission price does not seem justified for what you are receiving in return. I know they have to pay to keep this place preserved, but damn!! It's a good thing I went once because I will probably never go again.Listed in: South Beach the Melek way
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Review from Lydia H.
Washington, DC
4/26/2009
From the moment I arrived at the front gate, I got the feeling that there was something simultaneously haunting and magical about this Deering mansion.
I recently visited Marjorie Merriweather Post's Hillwood estate (now also a museum) in DC, and while Villa Vizcaya was built well before Ms. Post's home and gardens, I feel compelled to compare them.
First, Vizcaya is much more more lavish and foreboding; the sheer number of its guest bedrooms shows a great difference in the purpose of each home.
Where Hillwood exceeds as a museum is that guests feel that the hostess could appear at any moment; at Vizcaya, it feels as though no one has visited in years.
The house is set up somewhat like an ancient Roman villa, with a once-open courtyard in the center and interior rooms surrounding it. The docent explained that over the years the weather and salt from the water began to deteriorate the interior of the home. As a result, a roof was built over the open courtyard, and air conditioning was pumped full force through the house. Most of the windows have been covered to prevent sun damage to artworks and furniture; however, the end result feels like Miss Havisham might appear in any one of the rooms at any moment.
The biggest tragedy of this is that it completely contradicts the design of the home: an open atrium and huge windows opening to the bay were built that way to emphasize light, fresh air, and a continuum of indoors and out. Closing everything off and recycling frigid air makes visitors have to try that much harder to imagine how it really would have felt many decades ago.
All that said, the museum and gardens really are unlike anything I have seen heretofore. Indeed there are many references to other Italian gardens, but this one stands out because of its position next to the bay and the inclusion of many south Florida flora and design elements.
I won't go into all of the history or architectural details behind the mansion. I will say that the guided tour is fairly worthwhile, but it is also nice to wander around alone. The $3 guidebook should be included in the ticket price, but I did find it useful. The food at the cafe is expectedly overpriced (albeit good), but you can get a glass of pretty tasty wine for $3.95; this more than makes up for how much the food costs.
Getting to the museum from Miami is a bit of a pain, but if you aren't in hurry you can get there via bus/train for a total of $2.50 each way.
This site is definitely worth a visit, and while I understand the reasons behind its current presentation, the original must have been a true five-star beauty.Listed in: My Miami Vices
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Review from Kirsten L.
Miami, FL
3/7/2010
So refreshing to experience this kind of culture in Miami! While standing in the short line to get our tickets, I was immediately struck by how quiet it was! I forgot for a moment that I was in Miami, a wonderful escape!
This is quiet an eclectic collection of "old things". I especially loved the kitchens with all the old gadgets and china. But the best part is definitely outside. I especially love the barge. The only downside of our visit was the photo shoots going on. This place provides the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos, but it restricted our freedom to roam around everywhere.
