Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Coconut Grove, Florida was a wonderful place to spend part of the day. Vizcaya was built by agricultural industrialist James Deering, who wintered on the property from 1916–1925. Today, the incredible European-inspired estate includes a main house filled with art and furnishings, ten acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay, and a hardwood native forest. Below is a photo of the amazing roots of a local banyan tree.

It is a National Historic Landmark and an amazingly beautiful Florida destination. Built between 1914 and 1916, the estate originally included 180 acres and a farm designed after Northern Italian villages of the day. John Deering died in 1925. In 1926 a major hurricane damaged the grounds and formal gardens. In 1952 the County purchased the estate and remaining grounds at a very reasonable price from the heirs. It was extensively renovated and demands lots of upkeep.

It was interesting to visit in the early Florida winter. The air was crisp and smelled of moist fall leaves. The sounds of fountains in the background reminded me of a babeling brook. Among the banyon and hardwood trees, I noticed many wild coffee plants and young papaya trees. I was lucky enough to see a night anole lizard, native of Cuba. These can grow to eighteen inches long, head to tail and even eat other lizards.

Cameras are not allowed in the house, but the formal gardens, exterior statuary, and archetecture are a dream come true for photographers. There are so many elements to study from the immensity of the estate to the minute details of an orchid. I took this shot because I like the modern street signal and antique light. It shows how Coconut Grove has grown up and how valuable it is to preserve its history.

The orchids are new to Vizcaya and are available through a million dollar donation from the David A. Klein Foundation. There is an area of orchids outside and they are seen in various places in the house.

I love the color of the vegetation on this weathered shoreline wave breaker. The upper steps and dry seaweed deposit shows a past level of Biscayne Bay.

The tree damage from hurricane season is still being cleared and pruned. More hurricane Wilma photos are available on the Vizcaya website. Wilma lashed out at statues, trees, and many archetectural elements in our highest storm count season yet.

Vizcaya is self-sustaining through visitors, private functions and weddings, model photo shoots, the gift shop, donations and fund-raising. Their website VizcayaMuseum.org has additional details on the history of Vizcaya, upcoming events, and information on support.

Basic tours are free and run every 15 to 30 minutes from the main entrance. Our guide, Stan was friendly, informative, and fun. I learned that the father of sculptor, Alexander Calder designed the wave-breaking stone barge in the bay, how to recognize Rococo, Baroque, Neo-Classical, and Renaissance furniture and decor in the Vizcaya house, and lots of features that I would have overlooked. The tour adds a tremendous amount and on a positive note, leaves you wanting more.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
Open Daily: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
House Closes: 5:00 pm - Garden Closes: 5:30 pm

305-250-9133