EngagING SCHOOL GROUPS IN Learning

Engaging Students Since 1953

Welcome to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, where education meets inspiration! Our school programs offer a unique opportunity for teachers to immerse their students in the rich history and captivating beauty of Vizcaya, a National Historic Landmark.

From engaging guided tours to hands-on learning experiences, discover how the museum can enhance your classroom curriculum and ignite a passion for art, history, and nature in your students.

Student and Teacher Experiences

Baynanza celebrates Biscayne Bay and its significance throughout March and April. On April 13, 2024, thousands of volunteers will gather to clean the shoreline at over 30 locations. Since Baynanza’s inception in 1982, volunteers have collected over one million pounds of trash from Biscayne Bay’s shoreline.

Miami-Dade County and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens invite all Miami-Dade County elementary, middle, and high school students to participate in the design contests for Baynanza 2024 by creating an original design that portrays Biscayne Bay and its unique natural environment. Contest details are linked  below:

During Baynanza, an annual tradition that celebrates our Biscayne Bay, thousands of commemorative stickers, posters, and t-shirts are distributed for free to the participating volunteers and partner organizations. Three winners will be selected, and the first-place winner will have the honor of seeing their design featured as part of Baynanza 2024!

For more information on Baynanza, click below.

Learn More
Baynanza 2023 logo

Now Accepting Applications for Vizcaya’s Teen Environmental Council!

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

Vizcaya Museums & Gardens’ Teen Environmental Council (VTEC) is a teen-led program focused on the environment, preservation and conservation. As museum ambassadors, VTEC members will co-create teen-focused experiences, engage with the community and promote environmental sustainability. VTEC members will receive a monthly stipend and have the opportunity to earn service hours. QUALIFICATIONS | To apply, you must:

  • Be a 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student during the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Complete an online application and attend one (1) virtual or in-person informational session.
  • Attend each meeting. Meetings will occur every other Thursday at 4:30-6:00 pm from October to May.
  • Apply online

INFORMATION SESSIONS | These will be available throughout July and August with in-person and virtual options:

  • Wednesday, July 5th 6:00-6:30 PM (VIRTUAL)
  • Saturday, July 29th 1:00-2:00 PM (IN-PERSON)
  • Tuesday, August 8th 6:00-6:30 PM (VIRTUAL)
  • Saturday, August 12th 1:00-2:00 PM (IN-PERSON)
  • Wednesday, August 23rd 6:00-6:30 PM (Virtual)
  • Saturday, August 26th 1:00-2:00 PM (IN-PERSON)

Click below to RSVP for a session of your choice.

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

Immersive and Engaging Experiences

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 2nd-12th grade students may be reserved for the Main House and Gardens, are presented in English, and last two hours.

Tour Options

Visit the Main House and Gardens to understand how Vizcaya was enjoyed and experienced by staff and guests of James Deering. Students will learn about life in 1910s Miami through this interactive tour.

Below is a pre-visit activity you can do with your studets in the classroom:

Click to Download

Discover Vizcaya’s collection and artistic traditions through exploration and artmaking. After, students will practice “plein air painting” through a watercolor painting activity in the gardens.

Below is a pre-visit activity you can do with your studets in the classroom:

Click to Download

Discuss preservation and adaptations while learning about South Florida’s native habitats through this tour of Vizcaya’s natural communities. Students will record their observations of flora and fauna with their own nature sketchbooks.

Below is a pre-visit activity you can do with your studets in the classroom:

Click to Download

Discuss Vizcaya’s unique design and immerse in concepts of architecture, engineering and geometry through hands-on activities and exploration.

Below is a pre-visit activity you can do with your studets in the classroom:

Click to Download

Learn about Vizcaya’s cultural exchange and discover how South Florida’s geography contributed to the shaping of Vizcaya. Students will become explorers as they participate in a scavenger hunt using maps and compasses.

Below is a pre-visit activity you can do with your studets in the classroom:

Click to Download

Students will learn about Vizcaya’s rich agricultural history and explore concepts related to planting, harvesting, and food production in this hands-on experience. This experience takes place at the historic Vizcaya Village.

Make a Reservation

Plan your visit including group size, rates, options, dates and times and review Vizcaya’s school group policies and procedures.

School Reservation Overview

After planning your group’s visit, complete the online form to request a reservation.

Reserve Online


Two adults with a Vizcaya Learning Program Facilitator in the Center Island building a structure with small wooden building pieces.

Teacher Workshops

Teacher workshops at Vizcaya are designed to fulfill the requirements of the Florida state educational standards and enhance the learning experience for students. Participants will receive a free field trip to return with their students.

Upcoming Workshops

Participants in this workshop will review and receive the Creative Vizcaya Curriculum, lessons that are centered on the work of local artists and STEAM connections. High-school educators will receive the corresponding art supplies for their students! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/DS1rZMaRnhqdszr69

This workshop trains educators to include farming, agriculture, nutrition, and healthy choices in the curriculum. The workshop will be divided in sections that will focus on agricultural history, urban farming, and its relevance today, engaging students in outdoor settings, curricular activities based on urban farming and food production, planting and harvesting best practices (hands-on), and preparation of simple recipes with students.  Sign up here: https://forms.gle/mFP69biSDjjNhYMz9

Visit Vizcaya This Summer!

Vizcaya welcomes camps and youth groups throughout the summer. Participants will enjoy immersive and engaging tour experiences about art, history, and the environment.

Summer Camp Visit Options

Visit again in January for the latest summer tour offerings!

Plan Your Visit

Plan your visit including group size, rates, options, dates and times and review Vizcaya’s youth group policies and procedures.

Summer Group Reservation Overview

After planning your group’s visit, complete the online form to request a reservation.

Reserve Online!
Three children working on a project at a table in the Main House courtyard during a summer camp field trop to Vizcaya.


Vizcaya is pleased to offer a limited number of bus transportation scholarships to Title-I schools in Miami-Dade County. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability. To apply, please complete the online reservation form. For more information, email group.tours@vizcaya.org.

Funding for this series was generously provided in part by The State of Florida, The Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Miami-Dade County.

NOTICE OF FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY

Individuals visiting as part of a school program or tour may be photographed or captured on video for the purpose of creating educational content as well as for the promotion of the museum and its programs. Any guests, especially children, that are not to be photographed should be flagged to Vizcaya’s School Programs Manager or equivalent liaison upon arrival at the estate. We appreciate your cooperation to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all.