Art Deco in Miami
Photos courtesy of the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL)
If you’ve ever been to Miami Beach, especially South Beach, you might have been curious to know how the architecture got its distinctively stylized look. Here’s a little overview of Art Deco architecture.
Miami Beach’s building boom came during the second phase of Art Deco known as Streamline Moderne. It began at the stock market crash and ended at the onset of WWII. The architecture represents a less decorative reflection of the post-Depression era. It began in 1910 when Carl Fischer and John Collins began to transform the mangrove swamp into a tourist destination. The name Art Deco itself comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes held in Paris in 1925, which promoted art deco architecture in Europe. It’s bold colors and zig zag architecture dates back to the Egyptian tombs when objects of this style were placed in pharoahs’ tombs to enlighten the sleeping kings.
Miami Beach architects used local imagery to create what we now call Tropical Deco. These buildings feature relief ornamentation featuring whimsical flora, fauna and ocean-liner motifs to reinforce the image of Miami Beach as a seaside resort. The feel really adds to the aura of Miami Beach- it’s a contrast because though it’s a progressive and uninhibited city, the architecture brings you back to a different time and era. The best way to see and learn about Art Deco is to visit the Art Deco Welcome Center at the intersection of 10th St and Ocean Drive. They offer guided 90 minute walking tours from local historians 5 days per week. The Miami Design Preservation League is also offering a special Art Deco lecture tomorrow evening at 7 pm.
Planning a trip to Miami? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Miami Card.
When I was in Miami, before a Caribbean cruise, I happened to be there during the Art Deco festival — it was an incredible experience! Lots of art deco tours, street performers, and craft vendors.
The Annual Art Deco Weekend is January 18-20 2008 — anyone in the area should definitely go!
http://www.mdpl.org/ADW/2008/index.php
[…] Steve wrote an interesting post today!.Here’s a quick excerptMiami Beach’s building boom came during the second phase of Art Deco known as Streamline Moderne. It began at the stock market crash and ended at the onset of WWII. The architecture represents a less decorative reflection of the … […]
[…] art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibition spaces are concentrated in Miami’s Art Deco District near several hotels and the beach. Visitors can also take advantage of shuttle bus service from […]
[…] nuances of South Beach that I will always associate with Miami. For instance, did you know that the Art Deco colors of the buildings are meant to mimic the colors of coral? Or that most of the buildings were […]