Vizcaya is the former winter residence of James Deering, an affluent businessman from Chicago who played an important role in designing the villa and gardens along with a team of designers (Paul Chalfin, F. Burrall Hoffman and Diego Suarez). The construction of the villa started in 1914 and was completed two years later, followed by the formal gardens in 1922.
The estate is built in an Italian Renaissance-style with elaborate gardens with fountains, sculptures and grottos. It was built using local materials such as coral rock. Native plants were used in the gardens creating a unique style worthy of a subtropical setting.
Located in Miami’s oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove, the estate overlooks Biscayne Bay and is nestled by mangroves. The boat-shaped construction just offshore from the estate in the bay is known as the Barge and was originally build as a breakwater to protect the estate from waves. From time-to-time Vizcaya has been damaged by hurricanes and has required repairs. This was true as recently as 2017 with Hurricane Irma. Perhaps it is the price to pay to be located in such a lovely spot! The elegant setting will surely enchant you like it did us!
The inside of the villa is lavishly decorated with furnishings and antique artwork from another era and is now a museum. Following the hurricane of 1926, Deering’s heirs tried to establish Vizcaya as a museum for the public’s enjoyment, but in 1952 they donated the property and its contents to Miami-Dade County with the condition that it remains permanently a public museum. It’s open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens visiting hours
Thursday – Monday: 9:30 am to (gates close at 4:30 pm) 5:00 pm for the Main House and 5:30 for the gardens
Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Vizcaya entry fees
- Adults: $25.00
- Kids (6 to 12): $10.00
- Children (5 and under): FREE
- Visitors using wheelchairs: FREE
- US veterans and active military: FREE
- Parking: FREE
Conclusion
We first visited in March and more recently in June. The choice of plants will always ensure that something will be blooming, and the gardens would be magnificent anytime of the year. We will definitely be back to see these again…
While in the area you might want to also visit the Deering Estate which was the home of James Deering’s half-brother, Charles Deering. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is also in the area.