The Stories of Vizcaya

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

One of a kind Vizcaya’s Swimming Pool Grotto is one of the most distinctive and engaging spaces at the estate. It’s also easy to miss. The grotto is tucked away between the Vizcaya Café and Shop and the Orchidarium on the North side of the Main House. An indoor-outdoor space, half of the pool is

As part of the Beyond Vizcaya project, we were able to meet and tour the grandson of one of Vizcaya’s longest working employees – Eustace Edgecombe.
Promo for Vizcaya's secret doors tour, featuring a grand building, lush gardens, and ornate interior details.

Visiting this Friday? Check out the Secret Doors Tour!

Join this intimate tour of the secret and hidden doors found throughout the estate. This guided experience is only available for a limited time.

Tickets are $49 per person and include museum admission for the day. Reserve your spot online while they last!