Engage students in Learning

Student programs at Vizcaya

Students learn about the history of Vizcaya in the forecourt in front of the Main House.

Object and Inquiry-based Experience

Tours are guided experiences designed to engage students in learning through inquiry-based, object-based, peer-to-peer discussions, and hands-on activities.  Tours for 3rd- through 12th-grade students may be reserved for the Main House and gardens, are presented in English, and last one hour. Tours may be combined with programs.

Tour Options

Main House Tours

A Day in the Life of Vizcaya, 3rd–6th grades

Design and Engineering, 3rd–5th grades ​(this is a 2-hour experience and may not be combined with another tour or program)

Geography and Exploration, 4th–6th grades

Design and Architecture, 6th–12th grades

Garden Tours

The Living Garden, 3rd grade

Garden Overview, 3rd–5th grades

Garden Overview, 6th–12th grades

​Contemporary Art in the Deering Era, 6th–12th grades

Environmental Exploration, 9th–12th grades

Request a Date to Tour Vizcaya

School Reservation Overview

Reservation Request Form

Guidelines for Chaperones

Pre- and Post-visit Classroom Lessons

Teachers who wish to visit Vizcaya and facilitate a specific activity or lesson must get approval from Vizcaya’s Learning Department. Please contact the School Programs Manager at diana.pena@vizcaya.org or 305-860-8436. 

Peer-based Learning Experience

Programs are collaborative, peer-to-peer, project-based learning opportunities in which students explore topics and issues in depth in an environment that fosters initiative, autonomy and independence. Programs for 7th- through 12th-grade students may be reserved for the Main House and gardens, are presented in English and last one hour. Programs may be combined with tours.

Program Options

Main House Programs

Issues in Preservation, 7th–12th grades

Design and Architecture, 7th–12th grades

Art in Design, 3rd–12th grades (Only teachers who attend Vizcaya’s Teacher Workshop on October 9, 2019 are eligible for this program)

Garden Programs

Issues in Conservation, 7th–12th grades

Vizcaya Village Programs

Urban Farming, 4th–5th grades (Only teachers who attend Vizcaya’s Teacher Workshop on September 7, 2019 are eligible for this program)

Request a Program at Vizcaya

School Reservation Overview

Reservation Request Form

Guidelines for Chaperones

Pre- and Post-visit Classroom Lessons

Teachers who wish to visit Vizcaya and facilitate a specific activity or lesson must get approval from Vizcaya’s Learning Department. Please contact the School Programs Manager at diana.pena@vizcaya.org or 305-860-8436.

Students prepare for hand-on learning with a Learning Program Facilitator. Class and chaperone sitting on the steps of the South Terrace.
Children and family participate in 2019's Baynanza, with three children sitting on seawall and 4 adults in the mangroves clearing debris.

Celebrate Biscayne Bay 

Vizcaya is a proud partner and supporter of Miami-Dade County’s annual Baynanza, Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day. Vizcaya and the County’s Department of Economic and Regulatory Resources host a design contest to encourage students in Miami-Dade to celebrate Biscayne Bay and understand its significance as one of the most important ecosystems in South Florida. Participate with your class and you could win a free field trip to Vizcaya!*

All Miami-Dade County elementary, middle and high school students are eligible to participate in the design contest for Baynanza 2020. Students create and enter a drawing that portrays Biscayne Bay and its unique natural environment. Participation Requirements and Submission Details are coming soon! To see the results of the 2019 year, visit our story about the Baynanza winners.

*Class of winning student (first place) will get a field trip to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with free admission and transportation for the current school year!

Counselors and campers, visit Vizcaya this summer!

Vizcaya welcomes summer camps throughout June, July and August. Groups of campers will enjoy learning about Vizcaya, the arts, history and the environment. Six experiences are available by reservation.

Summer Camp Visit Options

Main House
  • Fantastic Creatures – Discover the characters and creatures that live in Vizcaya’s art and design through drawing and group discussions.
  • A Day in the Life of Vizcaya – Tour the Main House to understand how Vizcaya was enjoyed and experienced in the past by both staff and guests of James Deering.
  • Geography and Exploration – Learn about geography, discovery and exploration in this guided tour of the Main House and its collection from around the world.
Gardens
  • The Living Garden – Activate your senses on a tour of the gardens. Touch, smell, observe and listen to the natural environment while you explore native ecosystems and Vizcaya’s formal gardens.
  • Garden Overview – Tour the formal gardens and learn how the European inspired landscape reflects Miami and its location.
  • Environmental Exploration – Discuss preservation and adaptations while learning about South Florida’s native habitats through this outdoor tour of Vizcaya’s models of native ecosystems.
Reservation Requirements and Fee Schedule
  • A minimum of two adults over 21 years of age required per group
  • One counselor required for every 10 campers
  • Payment in full is due upon arrival
  • 10–35 Campers: $175
  • 36–50 Campers: $250
  • 51–70 Campers: $350
  • Additional chaperones (counselors/adults) above the required ratio: $10 each

To reserve Summer Group Visits please complete the online request form. For more information, contact group.tours@vizcaya.org or 305-860-8442.

Three children working on a project at a table in the Main House courtyard during a summer camp field trop to Vizcaya.
Students arrive by school bus to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Helping students access history

Vizcaya is pleased to offer a limited number of bus transportation scholarships to Title-I schools in Miami-Dade County. Funds may be used for guided tours of the Main House and gardens by 3rd- through 12th-grade students in Title I schools.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to guided tour and bus availability.

Applications must be received a minimum of four weeks in advance of requested visit date. All visits must take place by June 4, 2020.

Explore Tour and Program Options

Bus Scholarship Fund Overview

Bus Scholarship Fund Application

For more information contact diana.pena@vizcaya.org or 305-860-8436.

*Vizcaya’s Bus Scholarship Fund is generously underwritten by Cathy L. Jones.