Miami is one of America’s favorite playgrounds. It is known for its incredible cuisine (including some of the freshest seafood in the U.S.), pulsating nightlife, as well as some fabulous cultural and historic attractions. Of course, for many people, the greatest drawcard of Miami is the wonderful wonderful stretches of pristine sands and the warm ocean – not to mention those many sun-filled days that are part and parcel of the Florida experience. However, when enjoying the sands of Miami’s great beaches one is within sight of some of the greatest Art Deco architecture in the world. the backdrop of the Art Deco buildings on Ocean drive has been immortalized on the Silver Screen in movies such as Scarface, The Birdcage and There’s Something About Mary. Of course, everyone who was watching TV in the will remember Miami Vice.
The buildings are even more impressive when viewed in person. The impressive architecture had its origins in the mid-1930s when America was emerging from the effects of the Wall Street Crash and the Great depression. It was then that building in Miami went into high gear. The result was the well known ‘Tropical Art Deco’ style that characterizes many of the most famous buildings in Miami.
For those who want to explore the wonders of Art Deco in Miami, the Art Deco Welcome Center is a great place to start. The center is run by Miami residents and has been in operation since 1977 – a testament to how popular its programs are. It offers guided walking tours each weekday morning. For those who want to experience the Art Deco District in another way, there is always the option of a self-guided audio tour.
There are also a number of Art Deco style buildings that will reward exploration. One of these is the incredible Colony Hotel which was designed by Art Deco guru Henry Hohauser in 1935. It features what seems like acres of mint green Vitrolite and a wonderful Art Deco style mural over the central fireplace. Another building of great architectural and historic interest is the ‘Dream South Beach’ hotel. This hotel which is the result of combining the original Tudor and Palmer hotels, both of which were designed in 1939 by well-known architect L. Murray Dixon. The hotel also incorporates the Kent hotel. The result is a treat for those who love the Art Deco style.
L. Murray Dixon was also responsible for the design of ‘The Hotel’ on Collins Avenue. The hotel was originally named ‘The Tiffany’. It features classic porthole shaped windows and a vertical and horizontal white arrangement of glass block bands. The porch is especially striking, as is the signage which resembles the dirigible mooring arrangement found on top of the Empire State Building in New York.
There are numerous other examples of Art Deco architecture scattered across Miami. This architecture contributes to the unique ambiance of a city that simply has so much to offer. The buildings are a treat for the eyes and perfectly compliment the other attractions such as the nightlife and fabulous dining opportunities to be found in this incredible city.
