MIAMI BEACH ARCHITECTURE

Miami Beach boasts a rich architectural heritage featuring the world’s largest collection of Art Deco structures, Mediterranean Revival charm and Miami Modern (MiMo) designs with tropical flair. Together, these styles give the city an iconic identity that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Mediterranean Revival

Spanish colonial influences, archways and clay-tiled roofs.

Art Deco

Vibrant, geometric designs with sleek, angular forms and sculptural details.

MiMo – Miami Modern

Post-WWII futuristic aesthetics with sunshades, mosaic walls and tropical design elements.

Other Styles

Colonial Revival, Vernacular and Contemporary Design.

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1925
(April 28 - October 25)

Art Deco International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts is held in Paris.

1926
(September 18)

Great Miami Hurricane strikes Miami area causing widespread destruction in Miami Beach and the need to rebuild.

1933

First art deco buildings to appear in Miami Beach with a local twist sometimes referred to as tropical art deco.

1977
(May 6)

Preservationist and activist Barbara Capitman and a determined group of followers incorporate Miami Design Preservation League and begin to identify a concentration of 1930s buildings in South Beach to serve as a historic district of 20th century architecture.

1984
(September 16)

First episode of "Miami Vice" airs on NBC igniting a wave of interest in Miami Beach's famed Art Deco District.

2025
(April 28)

The 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris exposition that gave Art Deco its name and global spotlight. Over the past century, this bold style has shaped skylines, inspired creatives and become part of Miami Beach’s identity. The centennial honors not just a design era—but a lasting legacy.

HISTORIC DISTRICTS

On May 14, 1979, the Miami Beach Architectural District became the nation’s first urban 20th-century historic district to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here to learn more.

Today Miami Beach Historic Districts encompass over 2,600 buildings, 70% of which are considered contributing/historic, across areas like Española Way, Ocean Drive, Flamingo Park and more.

Map of Miami Beach Historic Districts

Historic Property Map

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Miami Beach protects iconic properties, preserving their unique architectural details and ensuring thoughtful renovations, thanks to the efforts of various boards, committees and local organizations dedicated to historic preservation. There are also tax incentives available to properties that meet the required criteria.