Villa Vizcaya

For a mesmerizing and unforgettable trip, make sure to visit Villa Vizcaya, currently known as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours?

The premises would be open from 9:30 am to 4 pm excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Tuesday.

Are the parking facilities free?

Yes, parking facilities are free for all automobiles.

Would it be possible to bring outside food and drinks?

Villa Vizcaya has a strict policy against bringing outside food and drinks. The only exception is if you belong to a college or school group.

Are single strollers allowed?

Single strollers are allowed inside the premises. However, there are certain areas where their entry is prohibited.

Would it be possible to touch the objects or walls in the Main House?

Even though it would be rather heartbreaking to hear this, but it is not possible to touch the objects or walls in the Main House. Historical materials and objects could be harmed when touched with bare hands. This is because our hands contain oils and acids which could be quite detrimental

Are there any future plans to restore the fountains?

The fountains situated in Vizcaya are almost more than a 100 years old. Even though they are not subject to any sort of renovation project, they would undergo re-engineering for better water circulation.

Are there any restoration projects which are currently underway at Villa Vizcaya?

Yes, restoration projects are underway in the East Loggia of the Main House. In addition, the swimming pool is also included under the restoration project.

Is admission required in order to visit the café?

Yes, it is necessary to obtain admission to visit the shop and café. However, tourists could obtain a yearly membership to enjoy free admission.

Are there any ghost tours available at Villa Vizcaya?

No ghost tours are offered within the estate. This is because no archives depict that ghosts were ever a part of the history.

Is it possible to take photos and videos inside the Main House?

No, it would not be possible to take videos and photographs inside the Main House. This is because it creates a disturbance for the other tourists. Due to the crowded conditions and lack of light, it might be difficult to capture good-quality pictures. In addition, Villa Vizcaya would like to maintain the copyright of their collections.

Description

Spanning almost 180 acres of lush green lawns and compounds, you would never run out of things to do here. Also considered to be one of the finest estates that you can find in Florida, one trip would not be enough. If you think that just by browsing through pictures would fill you up to your heart’s content, you are very mistaken. This is because of the fact that pictures do not do justice at all, regardless of the high-quality and expensive photography.

The main highlights of this estate include – a native woodland landscape, extensive Italian Renaissance gardens, and a historic village outbuildings compound. Majority of the architecture and landscape was influenced by Tuscan Italian Renaissance and Veneto models. Stepping outside, you can breathe in the fresh air and tour the massive and endless gardens. You would not be disappointed at all by what these have to offer you.

If you plan to visit Villa Vizcaya, one of the smartest options would be to take a tour. To avoid confusion and ultimately ruin your mood, it would be best to take a tour and remain on the safe side. In that case, you would be happy to know that Villa Vizcaya provides different kinds of tours for all its tourists

Villa Vizcaya Audio Tour:

Even though it might sound slightly strange at first, it is actually true. For the first time in so long, Villa Vizcaya gives it tourists the opportunity of experiencing their estate through an audio tour. The entire tour consists of around 90 minutes and is made available in five different languages. To hype up your suspense and excitement, audio samples are provided on their website.

Music has long been an integral part of the Renaissance culture. Therefore, to remain true to their roots, the Villa provides the Organ Music tour. A specific room dedicated only to the instruments which were found in that era, you could even travel back in time. All the notes and symphonies are so much in sync, you would forget for a moment which century you are in.

In addition to the aforementioned kinds of tours, a virtual tour is also provided. A short clip, consisting of a couple of minutes, allows you to get a glimpse of the entire property. On the left hand side, you could also find short notes. This would allow you to attain a greater understanding of the history and architecture.