With its year-round great weather, luxurious Miami villas and melting pot of culture, Miami is a hotspot that attracts some 23 million tourists every year.
For many though, its famous art-deco movement is what makes Miami so unique.
This art movement which exploded in Europe in the 1920s, later made its way to Miami, during a period of post-war development and infrastructure. Symbolized by symmetry, bright vibrant colours, glass blocks and mosaic tiles, it’s iconic style is still evident to this day.
From the base of your luxury rental Miami beach, there’s plenty of noteworthy art deco monuments and buildings to visit in Miami beach, here’s just a few:
Hoffman’s Cafeteria
As far as iconic buildings go, Hoffman’s Café (Collins Avenue and Espanola Way) is a celebration of all things great about the Art Deco movement. Beautiful shades of pastel blues and pinks, offset with tall symmetrical poles and ‘angel wings’ and those unmistakable glass windows. Designed in 1939, it later reinvented itself as a ballroom and deli, and today goes by the façade of Señor Frogs eatery.
Park Central Hotel
A hallmark in art deco design, this art-deco hotel today goes by the name ‘The Celino’ (640 Ocean Drive) and is of the many buildings on Ocean Drive that harks back to the golden age. Sure, it doesn’t have the modern conveniences of your Miami villa rental, but it does have a rooftop pool making it the perfect spot for a selfie. Also known as the ‘Blue Jewel’ this striking building has been a constant in the Miami skyline since 1937.
Art Deco Movie Theater
In 1938 when the Miami Art Deco movement was reaching its height, architect Robert E Collins designed a landmark building.
Initially used as a movie theater, it carries all the hallmarks of archetypal ‘30s design at its best, including an ornate carving at the front . Today it caters to another kind of entertainment – clubbers, going by the name of ‘Cameo’ nightclub (1445 Washington Avenue).
The Colony Theater
A landmark building located in the bustling epicentre of the city (1040 Lincoln Road), the Colony Theater is within easy reach of the many luxury rentals Miami beach.
Situated by all the main shops and dining areas, it’s hard not to miss this grand building. Still in use today for all kind of cultural arts events, many of its original features have been restored to its former glory. This includes its much-loved original ticket box and marquee front, reminding you of its once-legendary status.
Miami Beach U.S Post Office
When it comes to historical buildings in Miami, the U.S. Post Office is one of the favorites to swing by. Brought to life by renowned architect Howard Cheney, it embodies the art-deco movement perfectly, with sleek clean lines and glass panels celebrating lots of natural light.
If you venture in, you’ll even see a breathtaking mural on display (Washington Avenue, 13th street south beach) – the sort you might expect to see in a luxury Miami villa.
The Breakwater
Screaming ‘art deco’ from its blue framed windows, The Breakwater (940 Ocean Drive) brings you back to a bygone era. True to art-deco form, there’s bright lights, perfect lines and symmetry throughout. There’s plenty of other striking art-deco buildings in this neighbourhood, making it a fun location to stay if you’re looking for Miami villas to rent.
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