Exploring Architecture: Vizcaya Museum + Gardens
This is a live Zoom meeting. We'll discuss the content described below and attempt to address any other topics you wish to raise: off-topic questions are welcome.
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Everyone who visits Miami should visit Vizcaya. The estate sits on the shore of the Biscayne Bay in the Coconut Grove area of Miami – south of downtown. The grounds are an oasis of quiet despite tens of thousands of people visiting each year.
The house is built in a Mediterranean style and contains a spectacular collection of craftsmanship in tile, painting, furnishings, instruments, sculpture and architectural details. The house was built between 1914 and 1922.
While the interiors of the house transport the visitor to the fine rooms of an eighteenth-century Italian villa, the gardens also contain a collection of statues, busts, vases, urns, fountains and hardscape that makes Vizcaya unique among American country houses.
Visitors find the gardens are an excellent complement to the house and should plan to spend some time walking through the different sections of the gardens.
This presentation will help you appreciate Vizcaya is a treasure that should be high on your list of places to visit!
Here are some examples of the sites to see in the house and gardens...
ABOVE: The interior courtyard has been enclosed to accommodate visitors.
ABOVE: The tile floors alone are worth a visit!
ABOVE: Don't forget to look up too!
ABOVE: Many of the rooms feature ornate details such as the flowers woven into this chandelier.
ABOVE: The subtropical climate of Miami allowed the house to be opened like an Italian villa (open central court) though the builder also embraced modern conveniences.
ABOVE: Vizcaya was built at the end of the Victorian era so it shares some of the features of grand Victorian houses.
ABOVE: The craftsmanship of the house is inspiring (and rare in American homes).
ABOVE: You may remember the barge making a brief appearance in a 1986 comedy movie starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long.
ABOVE: Walking to the far end of the gardens rewards adventurous guests with many interesting spaces and art along the way.
ABOVE: Vizcaya is only a century old though the design of the house and gardens makes it feel older.
Enroll now for this virtual tour and plan to join us for a live meeting!
We hold frequent meetings so we have an opportunity to check in with you. We welcome your off-topic questions… related to architecture.
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Course Instructor
Advocate + Collaborator Ryan Taylor
Ryan Taylor is a registered architect. He’s also earned certifications in energy rating/performance verification, site design, disaster response, distance learning, etc. Ryan is active in community, legislative and building code issues. He’s been speaking/teaching since 2008 and is frequently invited to speak at community and industry events. His comments have been widely published.