This remarkable historic collection is now online, available for researchers or anyone who would like to view museum objects and archival materials up close with detailed information. It has been a long-term goal to provide online access to Vizcaya’s object and archival collections, and the pandemic lockdown made it possible to focus on this project. With funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, we were able to provide access to a wider, online audience.
Museum Objects
This section features museum objects that are on view throughout the museum and in the gardens, in addition to rarely seen objects in permanent storage. Online digital images allow you to see the objects from several angles, including a zoom function that allows the viewer to clearly see an object’s material, detailed design elements, or fabrication method. Object entries also include details like when and where an item was created, the materials used, artists or craftsmen, and purchase details.
Archival Items
This section includes historic correspondence, photographs, and estate purchase records. Information about each archival item includes who created the item (usually as the author of a letter or as the photographer of an image), when it was created, and what the item is about—a letter might be about construction work, for example, and a photograph might be of Mr. Deering on his boat with his friends. These additional details help us to understand the context of the item, giving it more meaning.
Mr. Deering’s Library
The Library on the first floor of Vizcaya’s Main House includes floor-to-ceiling bookcases that house the nearly 800 volumes – the very ones that he bought while he was wintering in Miami. Many of the books are signed by him in the front few pages, much like we do when we purchase a new book. These books are on view to museum guests, and the online collection provides details that are not easily seen, including the book’s publication information, title, author, and publication date. Browse the listing to see how many of these same books are on your shelves at home, and which ones you have read!
Explore the Collection
We invite you to explore the history of Vizcaya through our digital collections. We are always adding more content to the database, and we hope you will visit the site regularly.
You can access these collections at collections.vizcaya.org. Watch the video below to learn how to use the digital catalogue.
