When you think about Miami, you automatically think about South Beach’s Historical Art Deco District. Miami’s Art Deco District is boasting with colorful facades, intricate architectural details and interesting decor elements. A visit to Miami Beach therefore calls for at least half a day of exploring and taking in the typical retro architecture that transports you back to a bygone era. The district concentrates between 5th Street and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. Over 800 buildings built between 1923 and 1943 characterize the Art Deco District as the first 20th century neigbourhood to be recognized as a National Historic Place. All buildings are therefore preserved and protected. 
What is Art deco?
Art deco design had its heydays in the 1920s and 1930s. It started in Paris and soon spread to the USA. It is characterized by bright colours, pastels and geometrics and exotic flora and fauna motives. The buildings have clean lines, prominent structural details and often porthole windows with ‘brows’ above them to keep the inside cool. Some are embellished with glamourous accents or neon signs.
Guided tours
The Art Deco Welcome Center, and office of the Miami Design Preservation League offers guided tours. Although you can walk around freely yourself, it is much more interesting to get background information and historical details about the pastel hued boutique hotels. Self-guided audio tours are also available during opening hours for $15.
About Post Author
