ART DECO, ANYONE?
If you find yourself on Miami Beach, and want to know more about the wonderful architecture of the old and new hotels and other commercial spaces there, treat yourself to a 90 minute walking tour with the Miami Design Preservation League. You will get an introduction to the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival* and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles found within the Miami Beach Architectural Historic Districs. The tour includes several interior stops as well. Tours are usually once a day and cost $25 ($20 for seniors, veterans, and students). Just arrive at the Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Drive (at 10 th Street and Ocean Drive) within 10-15 minutes of the scheduled departure time (usually at 10:30 am). No reservations required. How simple is that. Locals, if you haven’t done the tour, I highly recommend it – you may take these gems for granted, so take a closer look at your own neighborhood.
Friday, January 12 through Sunday January 14 was 2018’s Art Deco Weekend. There were over 85 Unique Events, including Jazz Age at Art Deco, Bark Deco Dog Show, Retro Fashion Show, Films, Dance, Live Music, Fantasy Theatre, Classic Car Show, Lecture Series, and MORE! It’s too late this year, but perhaps save the date for January 2019. For more information about the Miami Design Preservation League or next year’s Art Deco Weekend, call (305) 672-2014 or artdecoweekendinfo@gmail.com. Donate, volunteer, participate. This is about Architecture worth saving, appreciating, and celebrating. I’m in Miami monthly, so if you would like me to join you on a tour of the great Miami Beach Historic District, let me know. Never too much Art Deco for me!
I’m in Boston most of the time, so if you would like to join me on a tour of some of Boston’s great historic neighborhoods give me a call. Boston by Foot has great walking tours. You can reach them at (617) 367-2345 or bostonbyfoot.org. Although I am disappointed with the new Seaport District, there is good architecture, both historic and new in our fair city. We even have a couple of Art Deco gems. Let’s celebrate our architectural heritage, both in Boston and in Miami.
*Post Script about South Florida architecture:
There is a great exhibit about the origins of the Mediterranean style and George E. Merrick’s roots (Merrick was the founder and developer of Coral Gables) at the Coral Gables Museum, located at 285 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Check it out!