The Stories Of Vizcaya

Swanee DiMare wearing a lavender floral dress and matching feathered headpiece stands indoors near stone pillars and greenery, smiling at the camera.

Swanee DiMare, a dedicated philanthropist and community leader has been instrumental in preserving Miami’s cultural treasures. Growing up in Coral Gables she has long admired Vizcaya as a place where history, art and nature come together. Since 2004 her involvement with Vizcaya has been particularly noteworthy helping to ensure this cultural landmark remains vibrant for...

A group of students in blue uniforms stand outdoors with adults, listening to instructions while preparing to plant seedlings near a sidewalk.

In 2025, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was honored to join the Urban Agriculture Resilience Program—an initiative led by the United States Botanic Garden and the American Public Gardens Association. This national program supports public gardens in fostering food education, sustainability, and hands-on growing experiences to address food insecurity across diverse communities. For Vizcaya, participation marks...

A group of people talking and smiling at an outdoor event. A woman in a large hat faces the group, and trees are in the background.

On February 27, 2025, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, in partnership with Florida Organic Growers (FOG), hosted the 2025 Dinner for Farmers at the historic Vizcaya Village. The event brought together farmers, chefs, educators, and other key players in South Florida’s local food movement for an evening dedicated to honoring their contributions to urban agriculture and...

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...

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!