Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an iconic gem of Miami, was built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter estate of industrialist James Deering, vice president of the International Harvester Company. Seeking a peaceful escape from northern winters, Deering envisioned a Mediterranean-style villa nestled along the tranquil shores of Biscayne Bay. His dream was to create a retreat that blended European elegance with Miami’s tropical beauty.

To bring this vision to life, Deering assembled a remarkable team: architect F. Burrall Hoffman designed the Italian Renaissance-inspired mansion, while artistic director Paul Chalfin curated the interiors using European antiques, artwork, and custom furnishings. Landscape designer Diego Suarez, trained in Italy, crafted the elaborate gardens, drawing inspiration from classical French and Italian styles while incorporating native subtropical plants.

The estate was named "Vizcaya" after an old Spanish province, evoking a sense of European heritage and grandeur. Even during construction, great care was taken to preserve the surrounding mangroves and adapt the design to the climate, making Vizcaya ahead of its time in environmental sensitivity and architectural harmony.

After Deering’s passing in 1925, the estate was gradually transformed from a private home into a public treasure. In 1953, Miami-Dade County acquired the property, and it became a museum and cultural landmark. Over the decades, Vizcaya has welcomed world leaders, celebrities, and countless couples seeking a romantic, timeless setting for their special moments.

Today, Vizcaya stands not only as a stunning example of art, architecture, and landscape design but also as a living tribute to imagination, elegance, and the enduring power of love.