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...
Every year, Vizcaya receives thousands of visitors who are intrigued by the array of historical décor and objects of centuries past. Upon entering the Entrance Hall, they are greeted by a pair of ornamental vases that Vizcaya’s patron, James Deering (1859-1925), acquired in July of 1916. Both marble objects are modeled after celebrated antique vases...
The central courtyard of Vizcaya’s Main House is one of our more unique landscapes and, as such, comes with its own challenges. According to the museum’s archival records, full-size trees were initially planned to be planted in the courtyard in 1916. However, photographic evidence suggests that they were removed a few years later, likely because...
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...
This larger-than-life stone sculpture dates to the eighteenth century and has been welcoming visitors to the entrance Piazza at Vizcaya since 1916, the year construction for the main house was finished. Like all other objects and furniture in the house, the statue was acquired by James Deering with the savvy eye of his artistic director,...
In celebration of Pride Month, we would like to highlight Louis A. Koons Jr. (1881-1929). Born in Massillon, Ohio, Koons was employed at Vizcaya between 1916 and 1921 as clerk and assistant to Artistic Director Paul Chalfin (1874-1959). He helped document Vizcaya’s object collection through the card catalogue with his beautiful penmanship. The card catalogue...
James Deering built Vizcaya as his winter home between 1914 and 1916, a time when America was emerging as an international economic and cultural force. By adapting European design traditions to a Miami context, Deering showed that America could compete with Europe, not only financially, but also culturally. In 1910 Deering hired Paul Chalfin (1874–1959)...
When you walk through Vizcaya’s Main House, you will notice that many of the rooms feature stanchions or barricades that limit where visitors can walk and reach. You may also see signs asking guests not to touch objects or sit on historic furniture. So why can’t you go in there? Like those of other museums,...
Recaptured Memories and Modern Reinterpretations Lost Spaces and Stories of Vizcaya was an exhibition that commemorated Vizcaya’s centennial in 2016 by exploring the history of the estate, its original design intent, and daily life at Vizcaya in its early years. Over the past century, nature and time have transformed Vizcaya, and many of its spaces...
Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Miami’s incorporation by learning about the city’s history. In honor of this milestone, Vizcaya is coming together with other museums and partners to go LIVE on social media and share bits of Miami’s rich history with you. You can join the discussion LIVE on Facebook and YouTube. Livestream recordings will...
Need something meaningful right now? Send a Vizcaya Gift Membership instantly—beautiful, memorable, and delivered straight to their inbox.
Give a year of wonder, history, and shared experiences at Miami’s most iconic estate… with zero stress.
Share a year of beauty, history, and meaningful experiences. A Vizcaya Gift Membership creates stories worth sharing—and helps preserve a Miami treasure for future generations.
Instant digital delivery. Perfect for holiday gifting.
Give yourself or someone you love a gift that lasts long after Cyber Monday ends.
Membership pays for itself in just a few visits and digital delivery makes it the perfect gift—beautiful, meaningful, and instant.
PRESERVATION IN PROGRESS
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!
