I have always been fascinated by Miami, despite still not having made it there. Whether it was the crazy customers who would go into the Miami Ink store, or the Latin-influenced music and sunny backdrops of Dexter (maybe I used to watch too much TV?!), my desire to head to this beach town has grown over the years. This post has been written by my friend Ross, who loves the art deco element of Miami more than anything else.
Miami draws people from all over the world for many reasons; sun, great beaches, a happening night life, and yes, art deco.
What exactly is art deco? The term was coined in Paris at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes. It got its inspiration from the days of early Egypt. Art deco includes geometrical motifs and zig-zag designs with bold and bright pastel colours It’s not too difficult to spot an art deco building.
Though some of these buildings were built later than the 20’s and 30’s, art deco had taken hold and newer architecture was built to fit in with the area. Art deco can even be seen along the beaches where lifeguard stations boast the familiar pastel colours and whimsical ocean themes. Art deco can be simple or extravagant. Each building, unique in its own way, has its own personality and charm. It might be argued that buildings of today lack that kind of appeal.
Today, Miami Beach is home to some of the most famous art deco architecture in the United States. Take a walk along Miami’s South Beach for a tour that takes you back to the architecture of the 20’s and 30’s. From diners to hotels, each building is reminiscent of a time when decadence and fun were celebrated in a big way. Part of the South Beach art deco look includes large neon signs as displayed on the Colony Hotel, built in 1939 and Society Cleaners, built in 1954, in those familiar fonts of yesteryear.
Built in 1937, the Waldorf Towers Hotel on Ocean Drive is a beautiful white stucco building with orange accents. Its simple lines complement the palm trees that line the streets giving it a warm and inviting look. The stunning Casa Casaurina, a Spanish-style mansion once owned by fashion designer Gianni Versace, is an example of art deco design and extravagance. It was built in the 1930’s and every detail is magnificent.
You don’t want to miss the Leslie Hotel on Ocean Drive. It was built in 1937 and brings one word to mind; cute. Its white and lemon colour and sidewalk dining with bright yellow umbrellas just begs you to come on in. Collins Avenue brings you to the Delano Hotel built in 1947, once the tallest building in Miami Beach. It’s easy to spot with its unique finned tower and multi-tiered façade. Next door is the 1940’s National Hotel, another tall art deco building with a warm, pale yellow façade. Next to it is the Sagamore which is almost dwarfed by the Delano and National, but its cute awning and neon sign help it to hold its own.
Also on Collins Avenue you’ll find the Raleigh Hotel, a glamorous hotel that stands as one of the masterpieces of the art deco buildings of the 1940’s. At the corner of Lincoln Road and Michigan Avenue you’ll come upon the Icebox Cafe. Though it was established in 1998, it exudes art deco both inside and out. It’s the perfect stop after a day of touring the area and a very popular haunt for locals and tourists alike.
Miami Beach has about thirty blocks of art deco buildings. Almost every building has seen some level of restoration and all have been painted in their original pastel colours Most sport some great neon signs that are impressive to see at night when they’re all lit up.
Set aside a day to take a stroll through this throwback of the past and bring along the camera. It will be one of the best days you’ll spend in Miami Beach.
This article was written by Ross who writes for the Netflights community and loves Miami beach!
Photo credits: waldorf hotel, art deco
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