Since the 1930s, a series of colorful, historic buildings line Miami Beach. They have a tropical theme, making this Art Deco design style unique to Miami. Architects created hotels and residences with a resort function and look in mind. [The Wolfsonian Museum has a collection of New York and European Art Deco objects. 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach]
Miami Art and Culture
From art galleries to architecture, Miami is both historic and trendy. The 1980s T.V. show, “Miami Vice,” filmed many scenes along Ocean Drive with its signature Art Deco hotels. Who could ask for a more fabulous set? Art Deco became hot again.
Where is the Art Deco Historic District in Miami?
Go to Miami Beach and you will find Art Deco buildings sandwiched between 5th Street and 23rd Street. They run in rows along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue. Walk on Ocean Drive where Lummus Park is parallel to the ocean. It’s a great place to picnic, people-watch, and take in a long line of Art Deco hotels across the street. The hotels offer outdoor dining that feels like a never-ending party on South Beach. Cocktails the size of fish bowls crowd dinner plates on white starched table cloths. Their colors compete with the neon lighting of the hotels at night. Stop by the Palace Bar located in the Strand (1052 Ocean Drive, built in 1950). The Palace delivers popular drag shows since opening over thirty years ago. Tourists linger in front to watch and listen when the tables are full.
What makes Art Deco Miami style?
Architectural styles change when they migrate to a different city. We’re going to look at its secret sauce. Architects Henry Hohauser and Lawrence Murray Dixon gave Art Deco a twist. Art Deco originated with the 1925 Paris World Fair. Creative ideas spread across time and place to form the style. A major event that rocked the world was the opening of King Tut’s tomb in 1923. The linear, flat style of Egyptian art came into the mix (think of the paintings of people in profile). New Yorkers visiting the fair brought the elegant, modern design style to the states. Did you know that the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building are both Art Deco? That is why it was also known as the "Skyscraper Style."
Neon | Flat Roof | Ziggurat Roof | Eyebrow Windows | Curves | Groups of Three | Cheese Holes | Catwalks | Glass Block | Mosaics
Miami Art Deco Architecture
Hard lines, curved lines- Intermittent curves break the architectural monotony, details on curves below.
Horizontal architectural accents - Some examples are eyebrow windows, flat roof, and ziggurat roofs are 3 horizontal art deco architectural design attributes.
Bright pastel colors- Inspired by Miami sunsets, designer Leonard Horowitz came up with the concept and popping palette.
Inlaid motifs- Stylized flower and sunrise. Stucco walls with plaster ornamentation, especially plant reliefs inspired by the Ancient Romans
Art Deco Neon Lights
Hotel Victor Art Deco Miami Beach night neon light built 1937
Ziggurat Roof
Ziggurat rooftops from the Mayan step pyramids
Design in Groups of Three
Art Deco Eyebrow Windows
The first residents of the Art Deco buildings on Miami Beach appreciated a new, smart design feature. Colorful, concrete slabs above windows, resembling eyebrows, offered to shade interior rooms. Miami Art Deco buildings were constructed before air conditioning.
Cruise Ships
Geometric shapes and white buildings with splashes of color dominate South Beach Miami's Art Deco District. Many buildings look like cruise ships just like the popular cruise lines. Round, porthole windows and metal railings along the top make you feel ready to set sail. Check out the Beach Patrol Headquarters for a case in point.
Flat Roof
Miami Art Deco Tours
We can thank the Miami Design Preservation League for saving so many Art Deco buildings from demolition. Head there to take a walking tour with passionate guides who are still on a mission. There is also a self-guided audio tour that downloads straight to your phone. Five stars by 813 reviewers (and counting) on TripAdvisor say that you will learn while having fun. Caught in the rain or need a break from the sun? The MDPL has you covered with its Art Deco Museum.
Looking for a new angle for seeing the sites? There’s a Miami Art Deco segway tour waiting for you.
Annual Art Deco Weekend, Miami Beach
What: 46th Annual Art Deco Weekend, Miami Beach
Where: Ocean Drive, Miami Beach Find out more from the Art Deco Welcome Center, 1001 Ocean Drive.
When: Jan. 13 - 15, 2023 | Hours: Friday 1/13 Noon-10pm, Saturday 1/14 10am-10pm, Sunday 1/15 10am-8pm
Features: Live theater, live music, sketch walks, films, classic car show, chess, walking tours, Deco Dog Walk, exhibitions, lectures, Art Deco Kids Zone, and an Artisan Market
Miami Design
Experience design’s place in Miami’s vibrant art scene. If you come during Art Basel, you can buy a combination ticket to the main fair and to Design Miami. Design Miami presents the best international galleries for contemporary furniture, lighting, and art. From its galleries and museums to architecture to graffiti, Miami has style.
