The Stories of Vizcaya

A garden path leads to a building with arched windows. Yellow umbrellas cover tables on the patio, surrounded by tropical trees.

On November 10, 2024, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens welcomed hundreds of enthusiastic guests to the grand opening of the new Vizcaya Village Café, marking a pivotal moment in the restoration of Vizcaya Village. The event was a resounding success, bringing together community members, urban agriculture enthusiasts, and local dignitaries, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine...

Vizcaya’s patron, James Deering, purchased a small painting from the Anglo-Florentine art dealer and collector, Arthur Acton (1873–1953) in 1914, which would decorate the guest bedroom known as Lady Hamilton, located in the North Tower. This oval-shaped painting shows two young women among architectural ruins engaged in conversation before one monumental marble vase that...

A vintage kitchen from the Vizcaya collection, with copper pots hanging above a long table, is set against a backdrop of a large stove and elegant tiled floor, echoing the grandeur of classic sculptures.

A Glimpse into the Cleaning Process Every year, the dedicated team at Vizcaya undertakes the colossal task of deep cleaning a specific room within the historic Main House. This process involves a comprehensive top-to-bottom cleaning, using a slow and meticulous process as well as conservation-grade solutions. Although time-consuming and resource-intensive, this is an important step...

A domed gazebo with intricate latticework atop a stone platform, showcasing sculptures from the Vizcaya collection of a fish and a human figure, overlooks the water.

Introduction: A Massive Preservation Effort Vizcaya’s Waterfront Restoration project stands as a testament to the preservation efforts undertaken to protect this historical treasure, which has weathered the passage of time and natural disasters. Hurricane Irma, which hit Miami in 2017, impacted every major architectural element along Vizcaya’s waterfront. The Barge: Recovery and Restoration The Barge...

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...

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!