Vizcaya’s Centennial Sets Stage for Next 100 Years by Expanding Community Role
Restoring Land and Historic Buildings Will Bring Local Residents Together and Create More Green Space
MIAMI (Jan. 2017)— Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is proud to announce its centennial anniversary, the perfect opportunity to reflect on the rich past of this National Historic Landmark and its significant role in South Florida’s history. In December of 1916, agricultural industrialist James Deering made Vizcaya his home. Now, one hundred years later, his passion and vision are reignited by the development of an ambitious Master Plan, which will breathe new life into Vizcaya, further establishing it as South Florida’s cultural hub.
The 100-year recognition and celebration provide an opportune time to look forward. As Miami-Dade County and its residents have evolved over the past decade, the role of the iconic home of James Deering will adapt accordingly. The new Master Plan outlines a strategic approach to expanding Vizcaya’s programming potential for locals and visitors by restoring land and historic buildings at the Vizcaya Village, which was part of the original 1916 estate. The Village initially consisted of more than a dozen buildings with the intent of making Vizcaya virtually self-sufficient. Vizcaya Village is located across South Miami Avenue from the Main House, and will serve as a natural extension of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
“We are eager to reintroduce Vizcaya Village as an inviting, revitalized, accessible space that remains evocative of ‘Old Miami,’” said Vizcaya executive director, Joel Hoffman. “Vizcaya Village will provide inventive and dynamic cultural programming to solidify Vizcaya’s role as a cultural hub for communities across South Florida.”
Looking forward, the Village will enable Vizcaya to provide more robust offerings and engaging programs. With meeting spaces, urban agriculture, greenhouses, family-friendly activities and cultural events, Vizcaya Village will be dedicated to educating and uniting the community. The vision for the Village also includes restoration of remaining original buildings for walking tours and the addition of green space and operational facilities.
In embracing Vizcaya’s vision through the Master Plan, the community, financial supporters and residents near this crossroads of Miami’s history hope to benefit from this community asset for generations. Of course, the essential and ongoing work to maintain and revitalize Vizcaya Museum and Gardens would not be possible without the critical support of Miami-Dade County and the generous donors who will help keep history alive for South Florida residents and visitors from around the world for years to come.
ABOUT VIZCAYA MUSEUM & GARDENS:
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an accredited museum and National Historic Landmark that preserves the Miami estate of agricultural industrialist James Deering to engage the Miami community and its visitors in learning through the arts, history and the environment. Vizcaya was built between 1914 and 1922 and became Deering’s winter home when the Main House was completed in December 1916; the estate celebrates its centennial through 2017. Vizcaya is one of the most intact remaining examples from this era in United States history, when the nation’s wealthy entrepreneurs built lavish estates inspired by the stately homes of Europe.
Vizcaya features a Main House, a collection of decorative art, furnishings and sculptures; 10 acres of formal gardens; a rockland hammock (native forest); a mangrove shoreline; the Vizcaya Café and Shop; and a historic village with buildings, grounds and gardens that will be restored for additional program space. Located at 3251 South Miami Avenue, Vizcaya is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org, connect via social media, call 305-250-9133, or email vizcayainformation@vizcaya.org.
