Art Deco Historic District

Believe it or not, Miami Beach / South Beach  is not all clubs, models, glitter, and nightlife. Within South Beach, one is also inside the historically important and unique Historic Miami Art Deco District — the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. For culture, history, and architecture buffs, Miami Beach also provides an excellent historical lesson into Miami’s past.

The district is the largest 20th century National Register Historic District in the nation, this district contains over 800 historic buildings that were built during the 1920s and 1930s and feature a variety of architectural styles. Walking tours of the district are available. There is also an annual celbration in January of every year, the Miami Beach Art Deco Weekend Festival, that celebrates all things Art Deco.

Although Art Deco buildings can be found throughout the world, no place is as identifiable with the style as South Beach in Miami. During the 1930s, while much of the nation suffered through the Great Depression, Miami Beach’s tourist-driven economy boomed. A small number of architects designed hundreds of buildings in the up-to-date Art Deco style that went up during the 1930s, giving this part of the beach a remarkably unique appearance. Highly ornamented Art Deco buildings with abstract and angular floral motifs, porthole windows, sleek lines and curves, and machine age details became the norm.

Many years later, during the 1970’s, the district was left in shambles and subject to demolition. In fact, many buildings where broguht down in a wave of redevlopment. To its rescue came the Miami Design Preservation League. Founded in 1976, the League worked tirelessly to promote the Beach’s Art Deco Historic District under the leadership of its indefatigable founder, Barbara Baer Capitman.

Today, the Miami Art Deco District is dedicated to protecting the buildings that best represent Miami’s classic architecture. The buildings were revolutionary when they were constructed in the early 1900’s and they have influenced other buildings all over the world. The Miami Dade preservation league views the architecture and design of the Art Deco District as a “Living Hands-On Neighborhood Museum.”

Four of the local districts (Espanola Way, Collins / Washington Avenues, Museum, and Flamingo Park) together comprise the National Register Art Deco District. It encompasses aproximately one square mile of Miami Beach. Ocean Drive is perhaps the most recognizable and best preserved Art Deco street within the district.

Be sure to check out the WHAT MIAMI Art Deco Architecture Page for more information on Art Deco Architecture in Miami and a listing of relevant buildings in Miami.