The Stories of Vizcaya

A sepia-toned photo captures the grand entrance of a tunnel with rough stone walls, reminiscent of those found at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. In the background, trees lend a touch of nature, while a ladder leans against the left side, inviting exploration.

Every castle needs a moat and Vizcaya is no different. This feature of the estate goes largely unnoticed by visitors because of its location below the Piazza. As guests arrive at the estate and approach the admissions booth, they unknowingly walk right over the inconspicuous moat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gM95TTf0s4 The Origins The moat was originally used as

A stone statue of a woman in period clothing holding a bird stands gracefully amidst the lush greenery at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Introduction to Romanticism Movement During the 18th century, an artistic movement known as Romanticism spread throughout Europe, seeking to evoke an idealized world of rural simplicity in contrast to the urban, industrialized centers of the cities. This nostalgic vision of a peaceful countryside was expressed through various art forms, including oil paintings and lead garden

A group of people sitting at a table outdoors, engaged in painting activities, captures the serene ambiance reminiscent of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, where nature and art harmoniously blend to inspire creativity.

With support from the Janet Traeger Salz Charitable Trust, the second annual event, Creative Vizcaya, occurred in March 2023. Inspired by Vizcaya’s rich historic art collection, architecture, and design, Creative Vizcaya connects students with local artists to participate in art-making workshops. The program served 275 students from Booker T. Washington Senior High School, Everglades Preparatory

Two ornate stone columns topped with peacock sculptures stand in a landscaped garden, with trees and a distant house visible in the background.

Gaston Lachaise Lachaise (1882–1935) joined the Vizcaya project in mid-1920 as the formal gardens were nearing completion. A prominent sculptor, he was commissioned to create sculptural work on top of decorative columns for the Marine Garden. This garden marked the transition from the formal gardens to the more natural and wild Lagoon Gardens that no

A person in vibrant, colorful carnival attire with feathers and sequins smiles and points towards the camera.

By Rebecca Peterson Inspiration In 2015, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens held a symposium on American artist Robert Winthrop Chanler (1872 – 1930). Chanler was one of several contemporary artists commissioned to create work for the estate. He produced an “undersea fantasy” fresco for the ceiling of Vizcaya’s swimming pool and a folding screen that adorns

Old photo of a bridge overlays a present-day view of a moss-covered stone structure with a balustrade and water channel in a lush garden.

This is a landmark year for Vizcaya. The museum is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formal gardens, which were completed in 1922. While Vizcaya’s gardens are known to be among the most elaborate in the United States, this is not only due to their natural wonders. These exemplary green spaces also hold historic significance

The railing of the stairs in the Secret Garden were made by ironwork master Samuel Yellin
Both house and garden at Vizcaya are embellished with metalworks, which while being functional, are also works of beauty. There are iron gates and grilles which date from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. In addition to - and occasionally combined with - Vizcaya’s antique ironworks are contemporary pieces by Samuel Yellin (1885-1940).
Close-up of rare orchids in a greenhouse setting with text promoting a behind-the-scenes tour at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Visiting this Friday? Jump on this Exclusive Tour!

If you love orchids, you don’t miss this special behind-the-scenes tour on Friday, December 13, 11:30 a.m. Join Vizcaya’s own orchid specialist as we go inside the museum’s greenhouse to explore rare orchids and learn expert plant care tips.

Tickets are just $39 per person and include museum admission. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now!