Preservation & Conservation Archives - Vizcaya Skip to content The Stories of Vizcaya Preservation & Conservation Construction is Underway to Preserve and Protect Vizcaya Pardon Our Dust Vizcaya is undertaking several important construction projects in 2026 to protect and enhance the estate. Much of the Main House and most of the Formal Gardens remain open and looking beautiful. As you plan your visit, please note that several areas throughout the campus are currently closed. These include select garden areas,... Continue reading People and Ideas Preservation & Conservation Guardians of Grandeur: Beatriz Bolton and the Enduring Magic of Vizcaya In a city of ceaseless reinvention, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens stands as a rare and timeless jewel—a sanctuary of history, artistry and wonder. For Miami native Beatriz Bolton, supporting Vizcaya is more than philanthropy; it is a personal calling to preserve the spirit of a place that defines Miami’s cultural soul. “Vizcaya was here before... Continue reading People and Ideas Preservation & Conservation Preserving the Magic: Swanee DiMare’s Commitment to Vizcaya Swanee DiMare, a dedicated philanthropist and community leader has been instrumental in preserving Miami’s cultural treasures. Growing up in Coral Gables she has long admired Vizcaya as a place where history, art and nature come together. Since 2004 her involvement with Vizcaya has been particularly noteworthy helping to ensure this cultural landmark remains vibrant for... Continue reading Preservation & Conservation A Century After, Historic Steinway Piano Returns Home Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is ever more vibrant with the exciting return of a one-of-a-kind 1916 Steinway & Sons Grand Piano. Originally commissioned by Vizcaya’s patron, James Deering, this extraordinary instrument has found its way back home after nearly a century away. A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship and Culture Crafted by the renowned Steinway & Sons... Continue reading History of Vizcaya Preservation & Conservation Sustainability Vizcaya Village Vizcaya Village Café Opens in Coconut Grove On November 10, 2024, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens welcomed hundreds of enthusiastic guests to the grand opening of the new Vizcaya Village Café, marking a pivotal moment in the restoration of Vizcaya Village. The event was a resounding success, bringing together community members, urban agriculture enthusiasts, and local dignitaries, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine... Continue reading Featured Objects Preservation & Conservation From Guest Room to Gallery: Revisiting a Vizcaya Treasure Vizcaya’s patron, James Deering, purchased a small painting from the Anglo-Florentine art dealer and collector, Arthur Acton (1873–1953) in 1914, which would decorate the guest bedroom known as Lady Hamilton, located in the North Tower. This oval-shaped painting shows two young women among architectural ruins engaged in conversation before one monumental marble vase that... Continue reading Featured Objects History of Vizcaya Preservation & Conservation New Insights on the Collection: Josep Clarà Helena Gomez, CuratorMay, 2024 This post offers new insights into the identities of two marble portraits by Josep Clarà in Vizcaya’s collection. An Artistic Legacy Vizcaya is home to two marble busts (figs. 1 and 2) by renowned Catalan sculptor, Josep Clarà (1878-1958). Unlike most objects on display at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, these sculptures... Continue reading Preservation & Conservation Cleaning the Kitchen of a Historic House Museum A Glimpse into the Cleaning Process Every year, the dedicated team at Vizcaya undertakes the colossal task of deep cleaning a specific room within the historic Main House. This process involves a comprehensive top-to-bottom cleaning, using a slow and meticulous process as well as conservation-grade solutions. Although time-consuming and resource-intensive, this is an important step... Continue reading Preservation & Conservation Waterfront Restoration: Undoing Hurricane Damage Introduction: A Massive Preservation Effort Vizcaya’s Waterfront Restoration project stands as a testament to the preservation efforts undertaken to protect this historical treasure, which has weathered the passage of time and natural disasters. Hurricane Irma, which hit Miami in 2017, impacted every major architectural element along Vizcaya’s waterfront. The Barge: Recovery and Restoration The Barge... Continue reading Preservation & Conservation South Tower Reopens Following Conservation Treatment The South Tower inside Vizcaya’s Main House is a visitor favorite. Home to Vizcaya’s famous spiral staircase, a frequent spot for photos, and four guest bedrooms, the Museum’s Collections and Maintenance teams have closed the space for a brief period to address a series of environmental and safety concerns. Now that the South Tower has... Continue reading