When American entrepreneur and automobile pioneer Carl Fisher set foot in Miami in the early 1900s, he envisioned a plan to reshape the city into an empire of oceanfront luxury hotels. Inspired by Europe’s Art Modern movement and collaborating with Floridian architects Henry Hohauser and Lawrence Murray Dixon, Fisher transformed Miami Beach into a vibrant destination adorned with over 800 three-story pristine buildings.
Art Deco quickly became a hotspot, attracting celebrities and the wealthy eager to experience its unique charm. However, by the 1950s, the district’s popularity faded as new trends emerged (the MiMo Movement and the accessibility provided by the Boeing 707 for international travel, for example). Once a glamourous destination, Art Deco became a retirement haven for the lower and middle class.
In the 1970s, Art Deco reclaimed its place on the map when the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) successfully designated it a historic architectural district. Since 1977, MDPL has celebrated the district’s enduring charm by throwing an annual festival in its honor.
Known as Art Deco Weekend, MDPL’s largest educational outreach program and part of the organization’s initiative to preserve, protect and promote historic preservation in Miami’s Art Deco District, will take place this year on Jan. 12-14.
The event welcomes over 100,000 visitors, not only to learn about the history of Ocean Drive’s architecture but also to enjoy free activities like an artisanal market, classic car show, lectures, films and kids club. There will also be guided tours, dog walks and live music performances by local and national artists.
Located between Ocean Drive, between 5th and 23rd Street, Art Deco is characterized for its pastel-color, porthole window buildings with curved metal rails. Iconic buildings include Celino South Beach Hotel, once a popular destination for celebrities like Carole Lombard and Rita Hayworth, Beacon South Beach Hotel and Colony Hotel.
Stroll around Lummus Park for enchanting views of Art Deco’s skyline and stop for dinner at The Villa Casa Casuarina, housed in the former home of the late designer Gianni Versace. Art Deco Weekend is sure to inspire visitors to return and enjoy this area long after the festival has gone.
For more information, visit artdecoweekend.org.