Miami is a great city. As a jewel along the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay, some historical landmarks complement the amazing nightlife and exclusive dining scene. A day in the famous Florida sunshine can include a trek to these historic gems. Miami was christened the American Riviera early last century, when the world’s elite designed vacation homes and brought great culture to the once untamed shores.
Art Deco Historic District
Art Deco was created in response to the opening of King Tut’s tomb. The bold geometric shapes and abundance of gold ignited a craze that started in 1923 and reached its peak in 1943. During that time, Miami Beach constructed a district that paid homage to ancient Egypt. The architecture is simply stunning, with scores of hotels and residences built in the chic style. Every January, the Art Deco Festival celebrates the designs and also looks to the future of architecture.
Vizcaya Museum
John Deering was the king of agricultural equipment. Like many in his elite community, he built a luxurious residence in South Florida that topped all others, attracting more than 170,000 visitors yearly. The garden and home were turned into a museum that houses an international collection of art which curate 2,000 years of human imagination. One can browse the collection and walk about the grounds to celebrate the stunning Biscayne Bay and enjoy the famous orchids.
Freedom Tower
The Freedom Tower is part of Miami culture. Built on the design of a standard Seville lighthouse, it was once the home of the Miami Daily News and Metropolis newspapers. In 1962, it was ground zero for the biggest cultural shift the Magic City had experienced. Fidel Castro’s regime forced many to flee Cuba for a better life 90 miles away, through shark-infested waters. The new citizens were processed, vetted, and received medical attention in a southern version of Ellis Island. The Freedom Tower symbolized hope for a new life and represented the vast shift of the once American culture into a distinctly Latin one. There is a museum on the first floor dedicated to the struggle for freedom the Cubans experienced.
Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is a landmark in Miami. It stretches from Collins Avenue to Bay Road in Miami Beach. Once it was paved in the 1920s, it was christened the 5th Avenue of the South. Following the national trend in 1962, it became a pedestrian mall and cars were forbidden. It is a study in great design matched with the hottest retailers. Sit outside at one of the fresh air bistros after a day of shopping and do some of the most exciting, international people watching in the world.
Takeaway
Art Deco has been chic since the 1920s and continues to be so, as seen in Miami’s celebrated district. John Deering’s Vizcaya home has been turned into a museum that incorporates natural elements and an exclusive art collection. The Freedom Tower is a cultural landmark of Miami’s welcoming nature and the hope that the best life possible could happen in the city. Lincoln Road is still the 5th Avenue of the South and awaits your visit. Make a schedule and visit these spots to experience the historical brilliance of the Magic City’s timeless gems.
