The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, previously known as Villa Vizcaya, is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay in the present day Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida. The early 20th century Vizcaya estate also includes: extensive Italian Renaissance gardens; native woodland landscape; and a historic village outbuildings compound.
The landscape and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, with Baroque elements. Diego Suarez was the landscape architect.
Miami-Dade County now owns the Vizcaya property, as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which is open to the public.
The Estate is now known officially as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which consists of 50 acres (200,000 m2) with the villa and the gardens, and the remaining native forest. The estate is a total of 50 acres (200,000 m2), of which 10 acres (40,000 m2) contain the Italian Renaissance formal gardens, and 40 acres (160,000 m2) are circulation and the native 'hammock' (jungle forest).
The greatest of photographs cannot convey the serenity of Vizcaya’s ten acres of gardens. In many ways, the Formal Gardens resemble the layout of France’s Versailles. Low, trimmed shrubs organize walkways into mesmerizing, geometric patterns. Thick columns, lush mazes and classical statues also lend to its European aesthetic; but Vizcaya uniquely embraces its tropical surroundings as well. Here, palms, rare orchids and Cuban limestone infuse the palatial Mediterranean vibe with a signature Miami flair.
The sprawling Formal Gardens were designed by landscape architect Diego Suarez to feel like a great outdoor room, connecting to the main house along a North-South axis. Several architectural elements come together in one fluid, integrated space. A massive topiary-lined corridor gives way to The Mound, where The Casino pavilion provides an aerial view of the gardens. East of The Mound lies the Fountain Garden, its centerpiece is still in working order and was imported from Sutri, Italy. Another must see on your garden tour is The David A. Klein Orchidarium, where rows of vibrant Vandas and rare Cymbidiums dangle elegantly overhead.