Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
A National Historic Landmark, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is an impressive villa set on 50 acres of Italian Renaissance gardens and native woodlands. The lush estate has been featured in films for its dreamlike ambience and formal gardens. Originally built as a winter home to millionaire businessman and nature conservationist James Deering in 1914, Vizcaya was established as a public museum in 1953. Today, travelers from around the world visit Vizcaya to get a glimpse of its other-world aesthetic and collection stored within the museum.
From YVE Hotel Miami, Vizcaya is easily accessible via Miami Metrorail. Head west on 2nd Street four blocks until you reach the Government Center Metrorail Station. Take the rail down just two stops until you reach the Vizcaya station, where you’ll follow signs to reach the impressive villa.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 S Miami Ave. Open Wednesdays through Mondays from 9:30-4:30. Closed Tuesdays.
Perennial Gardens
Evolving Subtropical Landscapes
The stately gardens at Vizcaya are a favorite for wedding photos, quinceñaras, or just excellent vacation snapshots. While the landscaping is truly impressive, the public gardens continue to be actively restored. South Florida hurricanes and its subtropical climate has made this tricky, but Miami-Dade County is working toward preserving its natural plants while seeking to revive the gardens’ past splendor. Ten of the villa’s acres are dedicated to formal gardens, with European-inspired aesthetics brought to its native, subtropical luster. Forty acres are set aside to preserve its rockland hammock, or native forest, as decided by the late John Deering in his quest to preserve the natural land. Come and peruse the gardens at Vizcaya, set a world apart from bustling Miami.
Art Collection
Found in its gardens and estate
The villa’s estate has been transformed into a museum, and while restorations have taken place, much of the rooms are exactly as they were designed over a century ago. The home’s 70+ rooms all reflect different periods of history and are outfitted with antique Italian furniture. Elements of the 18th century are reflected in its use of Rococo and Neoclassical architectural styles. Outside of the museum, collected statues, busts, and urns decorate the gardens.