Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya took over a decade to plan and build. Its landscaping and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architectural style. Today, the villa serves as a popular tourist attraction, as well as the site of international events (such as the Summit of the Americas) and Art Basel parties. Book a half-day guided tour to explore this National Historic Landmark and learn about its history.

• When visiting Vizcaya, some visitors notice a sulfur smell, which is produced by the mangrove shore ecosystem along the southeastern edge of the property.
• Because Vizcaya was built in the early 1900s, some areas have limited wheelchair accessibility; there are wheelchair-accessible parking spaces and a map indicating the location of ramps and elevators.
• Vizcaya does not offer bag check; luggage and large bags are not allowed in the main house.
• The property is located in laid-back Coconut Grove, which is worth visiting for the shopping on Cocowalk and Streets of Mayfair.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located in Coconut Grove, just south of downtown Miami and the Rickenbacker Causeway. It’s about a 25-minute drive from South Beach and is also accessible via the Metrorail; take the Dadeland South line to Vizcaya station. A station for Miami’s bike-sharing system, CitiBike, is located at Vizcaya.

Vizcaya is closed on Tuesdays and on Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November) and Christmas (December 25). Classes and events including yoga sessions, horticulture and cocktail classes, and kid-friendly activities take place throughout the year. During the holiday season, Vizcaya features festive decorations that are displayed from early December until the new year.

A bit further down the waterfront, you'll find Bayside Marketplace, a waterfront mall that features plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Plus, since it’s right on the water, it’s the starting point for many boat tours, water taxis, and fishing charters. From the mall, you can book a sightseeing tour or a speedboat ride around Biscayne Bay to get views of the Miami skyline.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was once a private residence owned by industrialist James Deering. This large estate has a mansion with more than 70 rooms and a 10-acre (4-hectare) garden. It’s now owned by the city, open for tours, and sometimes used as a filming location for big-budget Hollywood movies.

Yes, there are two types of guided tours available at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, each with its own admission cost. House tours focus on either life in 1920s Miami from James Deering’s perspective or Vizcaya’s architecture. Village tours are on Sundays only and a part of the weekly Vizcaya Village Farmers’ Market.

Yes, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers complimentary admission for guests with disabilities and their caretaker. Some portions of the house are only accessible by stairs, so guests with mobility issues may not be able to access those areas. Wheelchairs are available to borrow, but most terrain is uneven throughout the property.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens has an art and antique collection stretching from the main house into the gardens. Plus, the mansion has one of the best collections of Italian furniture in the country. In the gardens you’ll find 18th-century sculptures from Venice, Italy, and a living collection of historic plants.

Yes, there’s a calendar of events on Vizcaya’s website that details all that happens at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Vizcaya Village. Some of the events are weekly, like the farmers’ market and wellness classes, while others are 1-off cultural events like concerts, workshops, exhibits, and other types of performances.

No, you don’t need to purchase admission tickets in advance for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Visitors who come during regular operating hours can buy a ticket as they enter. Any special tickets through discount programs must be purchased at the gate, but general admission tickets can also be prebooked online.