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Top 10 Sensational Facts about the Art Deco Historic District, Miami Beach
Miami Beach has a notable architectural design, style, and pops of color that adorn its buildings. But many of these adorable structures are in the Miami Art Deco District.
The U.S. historic district is also referred to as the Miami Beach Architectural District. Another name is the Old Miami Beach Historic District. But the popular name is Miami Art Deco District.
Located in Miami Beach, the Art Deco Historic District is within 5th and 23rd streets. Here are the top 10 amazing truths about the Art Deco Historic District, Miami Beach that you will find stunning.
1. Miami Art Deco District designation came in 1979
Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District, Photo by Smalling, Walter Jr.-Wikimedia
The district received its appointment as a U.S. historic district on 14 May 1979. The National Register of Historic Places listed it starting in 1979.
2. The Art Deco district houses over 800 historic buildings
Beach Patrol HQ Miami Beach Photo by Acroterion-Wikimedia
The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach buildings has architectural styles that date from the 1920s and 1930s yet remain vibrant in modern today. Some architectural designs represent different historical eras of Miami’s history. The designated buildings in the Art Deco District number over 800.
The buildings have pastel exteriors and sleek curves that are visible on the outside. The interior finishing consists of terrazzo floors, porthole windows, and glass blocks.
The railings of the buildings complemented by the porthole windows offer good views of the beach. This is evidence of ocean liners docking in the region at some point in the history of Miami Beach.
Some of the historic buildings are Casa Casaurina, which is a Spanish-style mansion that represents the 1930s era. Park Central Hotel is another historic building that dates from 1937.
3. Miami Art Deco District is the world’s largest Art Deco buildings collection
This historic district leads in the number of historic buildings on earth and America. Art Deco Historic District, Miami Beach records the highest concentration of historic buildings in the world and the United States.
4. Ocean Drive is the most famous street in the Miami Art Deco District
A view of Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida-Wikimedia
Ocean Drive is in the heart of the Miami Art Deco Historic District. The street is a thoroughfare starting South of the 1st street at South Pointe. It stretches to 15th Street on the north exactly at the Southeast of Lincoln Road.
The street has most of the iconic attractions within the Art Deco District. It is the center of entertainment with many hotels, restaurants, and bars.
5. The Miami Art Deco District is where Gianni Versace lived and died
Gianni Versace the renowned Italian fashion designer lived on Ocean drive in the Art Deco District. The fashionista died in his mansion assassinated by Andrew Cunanan. The house, Casa Casuarina is among the historic buildings in the district today.
After his death, his house became a boutique hotel. Since then, in North America, the house takes a good slot among the most photographed houses in the region.
6. The Art Deco District in Miami has featured in many movies
The series Dexter featured Colony Hotel one of the most photographed hotels in the Art Deco District. The colony started in 1939.
The Carlyle Hotel in the Art Deco District appeared in the comedy Birdcage. The 1996 comedy showed the exterior of the hotel. Scarface movie of 1938 was among the first films to feature the region. With Sunray Apartments appearing in the film.
Grand Theft Auto- Vice City of 2002, a sequential of the Grand Theft Auto Series theme is on Miami and Miami Beach. The video game replicated Ocean Drive including the name in the game.
7. Miami Art Deco District escaped destruction in the 1970s
The architectural wonder of the historic district was almost lost in the 1970s. Developers eyed the property and almost destroyed its buildings.
The buildings survived destruction thanks to activists. They came up with the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) in 1976. MDPL ensured that the historic district maintained its architectural designs in its buildings.
8. An annual Art Deco Weekend happens in the Art Deco District.
Miami’s Art Deco District hosts the Art Deco Weekend once every year. The event occurs on Ocean Drive where vendors present different artistic works.
Handmade and vintage paintings make up part of the works of art showcased. Other creative works are sculptures, photography, posters, and jewelry to mention a few. The event includes street entertainment, sleek cars, and food vendors.
9. The weather hinders visits from June to September
The Art Deco District in Miami experiences a rainy season between June and September. During the rainy season, exploring the Art Deco Historic District may not have the same experience as during summer.
The best season to visit the Art Deco District is in summer. Yet even then the midday sun is one you want to keep off. Tours in summer are best in the morning and late afternoons. That way you avoid the midday sun and the huge crowds during such times.
10. The best way to explore the Art Deco District is through a walking tour
Walking tours are popular in exploring the area. You can opt for a vehicle or Segway tour. But they also may include walking tours in the Miami Art Deco District with an art deco theme.
Group tours with a specific theme are also made possible. If you are looking for a private tour you can make arrangements for the same at the welcome center.
The welcome center is a good resource in the Miami Art Deco district
The center is where the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) is. On the 10th street and at Ocean Drive. You can get brochures and books to stay informed on the Art Deco District from the welcome center.
The center is open every day and MDPL offers daily tours that can last up to two hours. The tours expose visitors to Art Deco and MiMo- Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern styles. These designs are evident in the buildings within the Miami Art Deco District.
The welcome center has an Art Deco Museum run by the MDPL. The center makes a good starting point for any questions or visit arrangements you may have about the Art Deco District in Miami. In case you have any special mobility needs you can contact the welcome center in advance for the help of any kind.
The Art Deco Historic District, Miami Beach has many historic buildings that show Art Deco architecture at its best. Notable structures such as Casa Casaurina mansion and Park Central Hotel were regular hangout spots for Hollywood stars. Rita Hayworth and Clark Gable were frequent visitors of Park Central Hotel.
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