Art Deco Walking Tour (Pictures)

[Doug]

A great way to get to know more about the history and architecture of South Beach is by taking one of the walking tours available from the Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach). You can take a $20 guided tour, or do it yourself with their ipod for $15.

I'm working on an article about the tour, but for now, here are pics of some of the highlights!

[Gus]

Awesome pictures, Doug!

Did you take the narrated tour or the self-guided tour?

Got any interesting facts to share?

Did the tour teach you the name of the architectural overhangs that are commonly found above Art Deco windows?

[Doug]

Thanks, Gus. I took the self-guided tour. I liked that better, because I had the option of rewinding if I wanted to hear the information again, and I could linger longer if I saw something I especially liked, or wanted to take a break. It's also $5 cheaper, and you can go at any time during the day (up until 4 pm), whereas the walking tour only meets at fixed times.

The tour is chock-full of information about the architectural styles and history of South Beach, including the window overhangs -- called eyebrows! One interesting fact is that Deco is one of two predominating styles in the area.

Can you guess what the other one is?

(Time's up!)

Mediterranean Revival! You can see that style in the Versace House and the buildings along Espanola Way. Interestingly, during the tour, they didn't refer to the Versace House by that name -- they called it the Amsterdam Palace. Versace created a little controversy with the preservationist league when he decided to tear down the neighboring art deco building, the Revere Hotel, to put in a swimming pool. I'll tell you about the deal they made with the city in the article.

Another interesting fact I learned was that the area north of 12th St. used to exclude Jews. However, in lower South Beach, especially south of Fifth, Jews were welcome and played an important role in the development of the area.

[Suzanne C]

You should be a tour guide Doug...

[Doug]

I guess it's good to keep one's options open.

[Gus]

Doug, please call me if you decide you want to do it.

South Beach Walking Tours by Douglas Eames sounds nice!

[Doug]

Has a nice ring to it! Do you need a special license?

[Lee_]

Doug,

Thanks for posting about the tour, when I eventually do make it to Miami I will be sure to take one of those tours.

The art deco buildings are stunning and form a integral part of Miami's history.

The reason I keep coming back to this site is the sheer amount of useful and interesting information.

Lee.

[orokusaki]

south beach and havana are not far off in look.