Miami’s Most Striking Architectural Marvels: Essential Stops for Design Lovers
Celebrated for its seamless blend of 1930s Art Deco and contemporary design, The Bass stands as a testament to Miami Beach’s architectural evolution. Originally completed in 1930 by Russell Pancoast, the building underwent a striking expansion by Arata Isozaki in 2001 and a major renovation in 2017 by David Gauld and Arata Isozaki. According to the New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler, The Bass not only houses cutting-edge art but also beautifully embodies the city’s layered history, with coral limestone facades and airy, modern interiors. Its ongoing role as a hub for contemporary culture makes it essential for anyone wanting to see how Miami’s architecture bridges past and present.
Perhaps Miami’s most poignant architectural landmark, Freedom Tower is a 1925 Mediterranean Revival masterpiece modeled after the Giralda in Seville, Spain. Once the headquarters of the Miami Daily News, it later became the processing center for Cuban refugees in the 1960s, earning it national historic recognition. As detailed by the National Park Service and Condé Nast Traveler, its yellow stucco, elaborate detailing, and storied past make it a symbol of Miami’s immigrant roots and enduring resilience.
Once a 1950s federal building, The Citadel has been transformed into a lively food hall and creative workspace while retaining its distinctive mid-century modern facade. Miami New Times and Eater Miami highlight its terrazzo floors, soaring ceilings, and unique take on adaptive reuse — making it a standout example of how Miami preserves its past while fueling new forms of community. The blend of public gathering space and architectural heritage makes The Citadel a rewarding stop for design lovers.
Nestled in Coconut Grove, The Kampong is the former estate of botanist David Fairchild. Its architecture fuses Southeast Asian and Caribbean influences, with open-air pavilions and lush, tropical landscaping. The Miami Herald and National Trust for Historic Preservation praise The Kampong for its tranquil beauty and unique sense of place, offering visitors an immersive experience that highlights both architectural and botanical diversity.
Spanning more than 800 buildings, this district is the world’s largest collection of preserved Art Deco architecture. The pastel-hued hotels, neon signage, and geometric motifs recall Miami’s 1930s and 1940s heyday. Travel + Leisure and the Miami Design Preservation League both cite the district as an essential stop for understanding Miami’s unique visual identity. Guided walking tours are available for deeper insights into the neighborhood’s stories and design details.
A perennial favorite on international and local lists, Vizcaya is a Gilded Age villa built in the early 20th century by industrialist James Deering. Its Italian Renaissance architecture, ornate interiors, and sprawling gardens have made it a star in Architectural Digest, the Michelin Guide, and The New York Times. With its waterfront views and meticulously crafted details, Vizcaya offers a glimpse into Miami’s grand, eclectic past — and remains an unforgettable architectural experience.
Designed by starchitect Bjarke Ingels, this pair of twisting glass towers redefines Miami’s skyline. Completed in 2016, the residences’ spiral form and lush landscaping have drawn raves from Dezeen and Wallpaper* for their innovative engineering and bold visual impact. The Grove at Grand Bay is an emblem of Miami’s architectural ambition — and proof that the city’s design future is as exciting as its past.
Housed in a 1927 Mediterranean Revival building, The Wolfsonian–FIU is both museum and research center, dedicated to exploring the power of design. Its facade and interiors celebrate Miami’s architectural heritage, while rotating exhibitions highlight global design movements. As noted in The Guardian and Miami New Times, the museum is a must for anyone interested in the intersection of architecture, art, and social history.
This lovingly restored 1920s home was once the residence of George E. Merrick, founder of Coral Gables. The Mediterranean Revival architecture, complete with original furnishings and lush gardens, offers a window into Miami’s development boom. Supported by the Coral Gables Historical Resources Department and Miami Herald, the house provides guided tours that bring its history and design to life.
Designed by Pritzker Prize winner Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, the Faena Forum is an architectural statement that defies convention. Its cylindrical structure, punctuated by geometric windows and dramatic interiors, serves as a gathering place for groundbreaking performances and exhibitions. Cited by Architectural Digest and The Miami Herald as a bold addition to the city’s cultural landscape, the Forum’s design draws inspiration from Miami’s oceanfront and tropical light, creating a vibrant meeting point for art, community, and innovation.
A Wynwood landmark, the Moore Building dates back to 1921 but was revitalized by architect Zaha Hadid, who installed the iconic 'Elastika' sculpture as part of the lobby redesign. The building’s historic Art Deco shell houses a dramatic, light-filled atrium, making it a favorite for design events during Miami Art Week. Recommended by Dezeen and The New York Times, it captures the energy of the Design District and stands as a symbol of Miami’s ever-evolving style.