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From an unspoiled tropical paradise to a gilded getaway, Miami has undergone many transformations throughout its history. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens encapsulates a pivotal era in the early 1900s - a time of rapid growth and grandeur that helped shape Miami into the vibrant cultural hub it is today.
The lavish estate and gardens were built as the winter retreat of agricultural tycoon James Deering. For residents at Vita at Grove Isle, this estate offers an escape into a realm of craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence.
Vizcaya encompasses a striking Italian Renaissance-style villa filled with over 2,000 European antiques as well as 43 acres of immaculate gardens, fountains and statuary. Its distinctive Mediterranean Revival architecture, adorned with sculptures of mythical figures like Neptune and the mermaids, is the reason it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
Deering tapped designer Paul Chalfin and famed architect F. Burrall Hoffman to craft the estate. In 1914, he enlisted 1,000 workers to construct his dream villa, strategically situated along the shore to conserve the delicate native tropical forests nearby. Deering searched all over Europe for the perfect antiquities and art to fill Vizcaya's 70 rooms, 34 of which are open to the public today. Gilded panels, carved mantels and frescoed ceilings make them burst with 15th-century treasures.
The grounds, meanwhile, are a master class in Italian formal gardens, with sculpted hedges and ornamental fountains straight from an Italian estate.
Today, Vizcaya opens its doors as a museum where knowledgeable guides lead you through rooms filled with Deering's eclectic collection which includes Ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance tapestries, Chinese ceramics, Rococo and Neoclassical furniture, and early 20th century sculptures and paintings. The estate also hosts Vizcaya CAP, an arts and culture program with avant-garde happenings that animate the grounds.
Just down Miami Avenue, history lovers can make the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens their own backyard, while living at Vita at Grove Isle. This new luxury building is a 4-minute drive away from Vizcaya's entrance, allowing both spontaneous and in-depth visits to this cultural icon.
Contact the Vita team today to discover the myriad offerings of Vita and its vibrant neighborhood. Explore the possibilities that await you!