Miami’s Vizcaya Museum is the perfect way to spend a day in the city with the museum being housed in an 1883 mansion and making for an interesting backdrop while you explore the collections inside. It’s also a great place to visit if you’re looking for a unique way to experience Miami.
As one of the oldest museums in the country, Vizcaya has something for everyone at this location. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a self-guided walking tour or sign up for one of their scheduled tours. The archives offer both historical and contemporary exhibits on many different topics.
You’ll find everything from Cuban art to Native American artifacts and everything in between. Vizcaya also features temporary displays and events throughout the year that are sure to pique your interest.
How To Get To Miami’s Vizcaya Museum
Bus and Train Stops
The easiest way to get to the Vizcaya Museum is by hopping on one of the Miami city tour buses. These can take you around the city and point out interesting destinations along the way. You can also take the Metrorail train to the Museum of Art, located just two blocks from the Museum of History.
If you’d like to save time, you can also take the Metrorail to the Museum of Science and get off at the same stop as the tour.
How To Plan A Trip To Miami’s Vizcaya Museum
If you’re on the fence about visiting Miami’s Vizcaya Museum, we have some good news for you. You can plan your trip to the museum now. This is the perfect time to plan a trip to Miami’s Vizcaya Museum because the exhibits are still new and just starting its life in the museum.
When you visit the museum, you’ll get a chance to see a lot of history in a relatively short amount of time. You can also try out new exhibits and enjoy some really unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you want to go with a group, there are plenty of daily tours for individuals or groups, so do your research and see which one is best for you as they change on a regular basis.
Visiting Miami’s Vizcaya Museum With City Tourist
If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to enjoy the museum, the City Tourist passes for $69 per person will let you hop on one of the tours and go with the person in charge of the walking tour. You can also choose the $79 VIP tour for a more guided tour and access to a private room.
You can also book a private tour with one of the curators for around $300 per person. These tours are great if you like to think about the items you’re seeing and want a little guidance on how they’re made.
What to Expect When You Walk Into Vizcaya Museum
As soon as you step inside the front doors of the museum, you’ll be amazed at the size and scope of the collection. The gorgeous entryway leads you right into the heart of the museum with a collection of stunning art, architecture, and decorative arts.
The rooms inside are equally as beautiful and offer a more in-depth look at different cultures and periods throughout history. You might want to start in the Spanish Room, which tells the story of one of the city’s oldest communities. Beyond that, the dynamic exhibits at the front and back of the museum offer a variety of different experiences.
Some of the more unique exhibits include the one-of-a-kind Nautical Art, the World of the American Indian, and the Pre-Columbian Indians. If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to experience the museum, there’re also guided tours for kids (4-12) and teens (13-17).
Tours Of the Vizcaya Museum
If you’re in town, the tour of the Vizcaya museum is a great idea. These tours run every hour on the hour and covers all aspects of life in the America’s over the centuries.
You can expect to spend about an hour on these tours, which include around 15-30 minutes of walking. The tour guides for this tour are descendants of Cuban exiles who fled the Castro regime. Some of the highlights include a visit to the gardens, where you can relax and enjoy the tropical plants and a talk with one of the Cuban exiles’ descendants.
Start in the Spanish Room, which tells the story of one of the city’s oldest communities as well as the huge influence that Cuba has had on Miami over the many decades.
Next, move along to the American Indian Exhibit. This room, located in the back of the museum, is the perfect place to kick back and relax after exploring the front. You can also find a cafe here where you can enjoy a snack or a drink.
Next, head to the rooms dedicated to pre-Columbian Indians and their artwork. These rooms offer a great look at the creation of many of South America’s art forms, from pottery to masks. If you want to get a feel for the overall architectural style of the building, you should also tour the French and Italian rooms to get a feel of the European influences.
These will give you a better understanding of how different countries and cultures have influenced Miami and the rest of South America. If you want to fully embrace your majestic surroundings, you can also tour the beautiful lawns and gardens that border the museum.
The Art Of Vizcaya
If you’re a collector, you’ll definitely want to spend some time in the gallery to view the art pieces in person. There are plenty of exhibits here that explain the art and history of various parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Some of the highlights include Diego Rivera’s Rivera’s Paintings, Pablo Ruiz Picasso’s works, and Frida Kahlo’s art. If you just want to look at art, the Mona Lisa and the Las Vegas and Macaw Masks are two of the largest and most recognizable pieces in the gallery.
Where To Eat At Miami’s Vizcaya Museum
If you’re in the mood for a light meal before heading to the museum, Diva’s tours offers a variety of delicious Mediterranean and American dishes. You can definitely choose to just eat at the hotel when you’re in town, but the tour is a great way to experience authentic food from all over the world.
You can’t go wrong with the barbecued lamb, the hummus plate, or the butter chicken. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try the steak frites or the chicken cacciatore. If you don’t mind a wait, the seafood paella or the lobster thermidor are two great traditional meals.