Want a total change of scenery in the heart of Florida? Discover the stunning Vizcaya villa and its gardens, a marvel of architecture inspired by the Mediterranean, nestled in the historic Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. This former billionaire’s estate, now a museum as dazzling inside as out, offers an immersion into the refined atmosphere of an 18th-century Italian villa. Strolls, art, lush gardens, and touches of romance at every turn: here is an escape that awakens the soul and senses of lovers of beautiful things!
The stunning villa: a touch of Italy facing the Miami bay
Forget the skyscrapers; at Vizcaya, everything begins with an architectural journey. Built between 1914 and 1922 by James Deering – a famous agricultural industry magnate – this 45,000-square-foot villa invites guests to meander through a setting worthy of the most beautiful Venetian homes. Nothing has been left to chance: Neapolitan furniture, masterpieces of painting, doors and gates imported from Italy, and even a majestic piano that seems to await Chopin for a final nocturne. The rooms reveal marine accessories and ornaments inspired by the great Spanish discoveries, a faithful nod to the history of the place.
Today, the villa can be visited through 34 exceptional rooms thanks to a free audioguide included with the entrance ticket or through themed guided tours — “Downton Abbey ambiance guaranteed!” For those who are, for example, passionate about architectural enigmas, discover similar treasures in France, like the mysterious Théas house.
A living masterpiece: art on every floor
Vizcaya doesn’t just draw inspiration from Europe; it brings it back to life! James Deering surrounded himself with the greatest decorators and curators of his time to assemble a unique collection of antique objects, from the remnants of Pompeii to Italian baroque frescoes. Here, every parlor, every corridor, every window offers a panorama of the creativity of the Old World, reinterpreted in a Floridian style. Fans of secret villages and historical adventures won’t want to miss exploring, on their next trip to France, a secret village in Marseille to extend the magic.
The gardens: a breathtaking natural wonder
Leave the dimness of the parlors to wander through the beating heart of Vizcaya: its gardens inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Designed by landscape architect Diego Suarez, the estate spans 10 acres punctuated by meticulously trimmed mazes, Greco-Roman statues, Venetian bridges, and period fountains. Between two breaths of scented air, lose yourself in the pathways as if in a living painting, straight out of an adventure novel.
The breasts of Neptune stand alongside French trellises, while offshore, an impressive stone barge protects the property from the whims of the weather. Attention art lovers, seekers of unique experiences, or poetic strolls: here, every turn reveals a surprise, much like the villages of France where history unfolds through graffiti and Romanesque churches – like in this village where ancient maps whisper their past.
A château life: history, encounters, and delicacies
The scent of the past still lingers in the halls of Vizcaya, once reserved for a handful of VIPs. Since its opening to the public in 1953, the estate has welcomed several celebrities, from Ronald Reagan to Queen Elizabeth II. Now, everyone can step inside to discover the backstage of the golden life of the 1920s: liveried staff, distinguished guests, and anecdotes worthy of Fitzgerald’s novels (the author of the legendary “Gatsby” found his inspiration not far from here!).
Want to combine culture with culinary delights? Stop by the Vizcaya Village farmer’s market every Sunday, indulge in art workshops organized on-site, or enjoy lunch at the brand-new café on the estate, opened since November 2024. Similar to the Savoyard villages where wine and cuisine hold a thousand secrets (discovered here: on the tasty roads of Savoie), Vizcaya also knows how to delight its visitors!
Nature, culture, and a historic village: an unforgettable experience in Miami
Much more than just a villa, Vizcaya invites you to explore a whole universe. Stroll among forests, mangroves, French-style gardens, and the historic village where the estate’s staff once lived. Fans of pastoral adventures will appreciate the return to nature and the activities that enliven the seasons: exhibitions, wellness workshops, guided tours of the period village, and gourmet markets that remind one of the charm of the favorite villages of the French.
In short, Vizcaya promises a Mediterranean journey without leaving Florida. Between art wonders, the voluptuousness of gardens, and typical festivities, all it takes is crossing its gates to forget the whirlpool of Miami and allow yourself a wonderfully exotic enchanted interlude!
