Villa Vizcaya, a stunning estate in Miami, Florida, is known for its lavish architecture and beautiful gardens. A fun fact about Villa Vizcaya is that it was built by industrialist James Deering between 1914 and 1922 and designed to resemble an Italian Renaissance-style villa. The estate features a unique combination of European grandeur and local Miami flair. One particularly interesting aspect is that the estate's main house was intentionally designed to look centuries old, with Deering even importing antique furnishings and architectural elements from Europe to give it an authentic aged appearance. Additionally, Villa Vizcaya was one of the first homes in Miami to have a telephone and central heating. The estate is now a museum and a National Historic Landmark, attracting visitors from around the world who marvel at its exquisite beauty and historical significance.

Renowned French artist Xavier Veilhan created a striking fiberglass sculpture of the iconic architect Le Corbusier, capturing his formidable presence. Le Corbusier, a versatile figure in architecture, design, painting, and city planning, profoundly influenced modern architecture over his five-decade career. Veilhan employed modern techniques, using a computer and digital scanner to translate a drawing into his signature polygonal style.

Originally installed atop Le Corbusier's influential Cité Radieuse, the sculpture interacts visually with the architect's work, including the notable Fly's Eye Dome by Buckminster Fuller.

Pueblito Viejo #2 takes its cue from its Chicago-based predecessor, serving up delightful homemade Colombian dishes in a charming saloon-style setting that captures the essence of Barranquilla. Founded in 2003 by owner Gonzalo Rodriguez, who was inspired by a Colombian folk song, this second restaurant continues to charm its patrons.

Among the standout appetizers are the succulent arepas with Colombian sausage and pork rinds. A must-try main course is the "churrasco pueblito viejo en tabla," a butterfly-grilled skirt steak served with fried sweet plantains, cassava, and salted boiled potatoes.

Versailles Restaurant in Miami, often referred to as the "world's most famous Cuban restaurant," has been a landmark in the city's Little Havana neighborhood since it opened in 1971. One fun fact is that Versailles has become a hub for the Cuban exile community in Miami, serving as a gathering place for political discussions and community events. It is also known for its vibrant ambiance, featuring mirrored walls and ornate chandeliers that give it a distinctive, opulent look reminiscent of the actual Palace of Versailles in France.

Rehberger envisioned a unique entrance to the southernmost point of Miami Beach. His striking 55-foot lighthouse, installed in 2011, is the newest addition to the City of Miami Beach's public art collection.

Made up of nineteen staggered components, the lighthouse culminates in an array of moving lights at its peak.

Mr. Rehberger describes the sculpture as a modern and whimsical interpretation of a beacon. Rather than guiding ships, the light welcomes both visitors and residents to the city with a choreographed display that mirrors the vibrant spirit of Miami Beach.

Big Pink is famous for serving colossal dishes, including a “Big Pink” burger that is almost as big as your head! This diner has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its generous portions, eclectic menu, and its signature pink Volkswagen Beetle parked outside, making it a landmark in the South Beach area. The restaurant has also appeared in several TV shows and movies, adding to its pop culture appeal.

The South Miami Avenue Bridge in Miami, Florida, is a historic bascule bridge that spans the Miami River. A fun fact about this bridge is that it was built in 1929 and is one of the few remaining examples of early 20th-century bascule bridge engineering in Miami. The bridge's distinctive design and its role in connecting key parts of the city make it an important piece of Miami's transportation history. The bridge also offers scenic views of the Miami River and the downtown skyline, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Joen looked at the little people

Sitting in the giant beetle

Always waiting in a line

Spending all their days and time

Joen had seen the giant beetle

Eat and kill the little people

But still, it seemed they loved it so

So much they wouldn’t let it go

"I See Myself in You" is a lasting installation created through the collaborative efforts of Nekisha Durrett.

Located in Miami, FL, this mural goes beyond artistic expression—it actively engages and connects with the local community. The concept behind the reflective sunglasses is to inspire a continual sense of looking forward and to create a personal connection with anyone who interacts with the mural.

Crafted from stainless steel with a mirror-polished finish, these reflective sunglasses embody the project's commitment to a forward-focused perspective. Unveiled in 2019, this blend of painted aluminum, stainless steel, and neon wall art was brought to life by Art in Public Places under the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Wreck Bar in Miami, located within the B Ocean Resort, is famous for its unique underwater mermaid shows. This iconic bar features large porthole windows behind the bar, allowing patrons to watch performers dressed as mermaids and mermen swimming in the pool. The tradition of mermaid shows dates back to the 1950s, adding a nostalgic and whimsical touch to the venue. The Wreck Bar's retro nautical decor and live aquatic performances create a one-of-a-kind experience, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of entertainment and vintage charm.

Launch Complex 34 (LC-34) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is notable for being the site of the Apollo 1 tragedy. On January 27, 1967, a cabin fire during a pre-flight test for the Apollo 1 mission tragically claimed the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger B. Chaffee. This event led to significant changes and improvements in spacecraft design, testing procedures, and safety protocols in NASA's space program.

Another interesting aspect of LC-34 is that it was also the launch site for several early Saturn I and Saturn IB missions, which were critical in developing the technology and procedures for the later Apollo moon missions. Despite its somber history, LC-34 played a crucial role in the success of the Apollo program and the eventual landing on the moon. Today, the site is no longer operational and serves as a memorial to the Apollo 1 astronauts, with a plaque and the remains of the launch platform preserved as a historical site.

In 1965, Buckminster Fuller patented the Fly’s Eye Dome, an "autonomous dwelling machine."

Hand-built prototypes emerged in 1977, and by 1983, fiberglass spheres in 12-foot, 24-foot, and 50-foot sizes were created. Although Fuller passed away before fully realizing his vision, the Monohex design is considered a precursor to today’s green building movement.

In 2011, Craig Robins acquired the 24-foot prototype for exhibition, inspiring a key element in the Miami Design District. In 2012, The Buckminster Fuller Institute collaborated with Goetz Composites, ConformLab, and DRDesign to complete Fuller's vision using advanced technologies and materials.

They were commissioned to produce a state-of-the-art Fly’s Eye Dome, now a prominent feature in the Miami Design District.

Bent Pool redefines our perceptions of space and accessibility, urging us to rethink our surroundings.

Despite its unusual shape, the installation mimics a real pool, complete with circular night lights, a stainless steel ladder, and a turquoise diving board. Constructed from curved aluminum pieces, this inverted “U”-shaped pool rests on a two-tier plinth, appearing as if it has been lifted and stretched into its distinctive form.

The Cardozo Hotel, located in the heart of Miami Beach’s iconic Ocean Drive, is an Art Deco gem built in 1939. Named after Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo, the hotel is part of the historic Art Deco District, known for its distinctive architectural style. The hotel gained fame not only for its beautiful design but also because it is owned by the famous singer and actress Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio Estefan. The couple has meticulously restored the hotel, preserving its historic charm while adding modern amenities. The Cardozo Hotel has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, making it a recognizable landmark in Miami Beach.

Awilda presents a grand portrait of a young girl from the artist's hometown of Barcelona. Donated to the Perez Museum of Art, this artwork is poised to become a city icon.

The serene expression on her face and closed eyes evoke a sense of contemplation, mirroring the calmness of the Port of Miami.

A short distance to the East, at The Bass museum's public grounds, Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone disrupts the flat Florida landscape with "Miami Mountain," a totemic sculpture in his distinctive fluorescent rainbow hues.

This piece is part of The Bass program "Art Outside," showcasing artwork across Miami Beach.

In 2015, Craig Robins, the developer of the Design District, enlisted architect and curator Terence Riley to envision the Museum Garage. The project brought together the talents of renowned architects and designers, including WORKac, J. Mayer H., Clavel Arquitectos, Nicolas Buffe, and Riley's own firm, K/R (Keenen/Riley). TimHaahs served as the architect of record.

Riley drew inspiration from the surrealist game Exquisite Corpse, known in French as Cadavre Exquis. This game involves artists contributing to an image without knowing what others have created, resulting in a composition where individual parts might not match but come together in a playful harmony. Under Riley's guidance, each architect was assigned a specific area and depth to develop, granting them creative freedom to craft distinct designs. The result is a unique modern architectural interpretation of the Exquisite Corpse concept.

A fun fact about Southgate Shopping Center in Miami is that it was one of the first shopping centers in the area to embrace the mid-century modern architectural style when it was built in the 1950s. This design choice made it stand out from other commercial developments of its time. Additionally, it became a community hub, hosting various events and gatherings, which contributed to its long-standing presence and popularity in the neighborhood.

Grails in Wynwood, Miami, transcends the typical sports bar experience. It offers hyper-local beers, crafted cocktails, and unique shareable dishes for a distinctive dining experience. The venue features an indoor sports lounge with a "sneaker-themed" ambiance and an outdoor "Miami Vice" patio, both boasting over 70 TVs.

Grails accommodates families, large parties, and friendly gatherings with ample space and a variety of shareable drinks and dishes. Be sure to try their famous sneaker cocktails!