Art Deco Historic District

Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District

Pops of color plus the style’s notable architectural lines, curves and fountains can be found throughout Miami Beach, but especially in the historic district.

The styles of the 1920s and 1930s remain vibrant in the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach, home to the nation’s largest concentration of the sleek and bright architectural style. The district, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, contains some 800 designated historic buildings, though some of them represent other modern architectural styles from different eras of Miami’s history.

Where is the Art Deco District?

The Art Deco Historic District is located in Miami Beach between 5th Street and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue.

Art Deco Walking Tours & the Art Deco Welcome Center

Visitors can learn more about Art Deco design during one of the daily walking tours offered by the Miami Design Preservation League. The tours, which run up to two hours, provide an introduction to Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles found in the historic district’s hotels, restaurants and other notable buildings.

The League also runs the Art Deco Museum and Welcome Center which educates visitors about the signature design elements of the genre, including symmetry, glass block, neon lighting, curved edges and corners, round porthole windows, terrazzo floors and more.

How to Spot Art Deco Architecture in Miami Beach

In Miami Beach, Art Deco is easy to spot, with its eye-catching bright colors and pastels, as well as its geometric lines and curves, chrome accents, window “eyebrows” and fountains. At Lummus Park, you can soak in some sun while also gazing at the impressive Art Deco skyline.

Art Deco signatures are prominent in many Miami Beach hotels, including the Beacon South Beach and the Colony Hotel, with their standout neon accents and stylish designs.

Other prominent Art Deco buildings include the Clevelander South Beach, well known for its party vibe and DJs by the pool, and the stunning Villa Casa Casuarina, formerly known as the Versace Mansion, but now a stately hotel with 10 guest suites. Opened in 1940, the classic National Hotel is admired for its iconic infinity pool. The Delano South Beach, once the area’s tallest building, has long been a favorite party spot for A-list celebrities.

A fun way to see the area’s Art Deco design elements is to pick up some souvenirs or enjoy a meal along Lincoln Road, a pedestrian-only 10-block promenade of shops, restaurants and bars.