The Stories Of Vizcaya

Two portrait paintings side by side: the left features a man in formal attire with a stern expression, and the right shows an older man with a beard in a softer, more relaxed pose.

William Deering (1826–1913) William Deering founded the Deering Harvester Company, which manufactured agricultural equipment around 1870. This company merged with the McCormick Reaper Company to form International Harvester in 1902, based in Chicago. Deering’s sons, Charles and James, held executive positions at International Harvester. When William Deering’s health weakened, the family began spending time in

Close-up of three pink orchids with ruffled petals and vibrant purple centers, set against a dark background, showcasing the natural beauty that makes orchid care both a rewarding and essential practice for enthusiasts.

Vizcaya has long been synonymous with orchids. These beautiful blooms first arrived on the estate in the 1920s at the behest of James Deering himself. In 2001, a formal orchidarium was established at the estate through the generous endowment from the David A. Klein Foundation. Now Vizcaya’s gardens are preparing to enter a new age

Ornate vintage bedroom with a canopy bed and draped curtains. A narrow, colorful stained glass window contrasts with the room's neutral tones.

Recaptured Memories and Modern Reinterpretations Lost Spaces and Stories of Vizcaya was an exhibition that commemorated Vizcaya’s centennial in 2016 by exploring the history of the estate, its original design intent, and daily life at Vizcaya in its early years. Over the past century, nature and time have transformed Vizcaya, and many of its spaces

Aerial view of the historic villa at Vizcaya with gardens by the waterfront, set against a city skyline and blue sky, perfect for celebrating Labor Day.
The timeless architecture and remarkable collections at Vizcaya make it easy to escape from the present into the past. But what happens when we turn our attention to the future; what do we imagine for Vizcaya and Miami?
The railing of the stairs in the Secret Garden were made by ironwork master Samuel Yellin
Both house and garden at Vizcaya are embellished with metalworks, which while being functional, are also works of beauty. There are iron gates and grilles which date from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. In addition to - and occasionally combined with - Vizcaya’s antique ironworks are contemporary pieces by Samuel Yellin (1885-1940).
A grand estate with formal gardens and trimmed hedges, set against a backdrop of city skyscrapers and a body of water under a partly cloudy sky, reminiscent of what's in bloom at Vizcaya.
Around the world, people are hunting for the largest living trees. In the United States, American Forests, the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the US, has been leading this effort since 1940. Their Big Tree Program maintains a national register of the largest living specimens of American trees. Florida runs a similar program for
Quinceañera Teen girl in red ball gown standing in a balcony

Quinceañera photo shoots are quite the tradition in Miami. Vizcaya is a place where people of diverse communities and backgrounds come together, and collectively shape its spirit. Vizcaya is featured in countless individual and communal memories, through the visitors who document their personal milestones and celebrations here. Milestone celebrations Generations of young women have used

A person smiles while standing in a field of sunflowers, wearing a black hoodie with gold lettering.
“Going live in five, four, three, two…” Those were the words I heard right before every Beyond Vizcaya livestream session that would air. Once that count ended, it was my responsibility to introduce, engage, interview and ultimately bring to life the Miami stories we came to share for that day. There were no cuts, no
Flood door at the entrance to the Main House basement

Vizcaya’s Main House sits only about 100 feet away from Biscayne Bay, making it especially vulnerable to flooding during hurricanes. In 2017, the storm surge from Hurricane Irma at nearby Dinner Key was six feet high and invaded Vizcaya’s formal gardens, which are only five feet above sea level. An unwanted intrusion Despite extensive protection,

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!