Celebrating Miami Beach Art Deco Centennial 1925- 2025 : The Business, Arts, Creativity and Sensation of the Art Deco Era

2025 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Art Deco movement. This is an opportune moment to reflect on how the iconic style has shaped the world of design and the business community—particularly Miami Beach. Art Deco, which emerged in the early 20th century, combines luxurious materials, bold geometric shapes, and streamlined forms. Its influence is felt across multiple industries, from hotels to restaurants to commercial businesses.

The Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District stands as one of the best preserved examples of Art Deco architecture in the world. In the 1930s, the wave of new buildings gained popularity with the distinctive style, with sleek and angular lines, stylized patterns, and luxurious details. Hotels, restaurants, and shops adopted Art Deco elements to distinguish themselves in a competitive market, often blending the bold style with local tropical influences.

Hotels like the Avalon and the National, exemplify  how Art Deco served as both a functional space for tourists and an opportunity for memorable branding. The glistening neon lights, colorful facades, and glamorous interiors attracted attention and conveyed a sense of modern elegance that resonated with visitors seeking an escape into the evolving, new and vibrant world. For business owners, adopting Art Deco was not just about aesthetics—it was about capitalizing on a cultural moment that signaled luxury and modernity, encouraging investment and patronage.

"The National Hotel is proud to be a cornerstone of the Miami Beach Art Deco Weekend, a celebration that draws art, culture, and history enthusiasts from around the world,” states Stephane Mercier, General Manager, The National Hotel. “As an iconic Art Deco landmark, we are honored to captivate visitors with our timeless design, vibrant atmosphere, and unique offerings, creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate the rich heritage of our community and resonate deeply with public interest. “

The 2025 Art Deco Weekend, January 18-20, 2025, theme was Art Deco Centennial 1925-2025, and was a free community cultural festival celebrating architecture, history, arts, and culture. Organized by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), the festival celebrated its 48th year with record attendance.

For Miami Beach businesses, from hospitality to real estate, the MDPL annual event is an opportunity to actively market Art Deco style properties and tap into the nostalgia of an era that continues to appeal to contemporary tastes. For visitors and residents, Miami Beach remains a testament to the power of design and its impact on a community’s economic vitality.

Many restaurants, museums and hotels took advantage of Art Deco Weekend to promote their businesses. As one of the iconic buildings in the heart of the Art Deco district, the Avalon Hotel was proud to participate in Art Deco Weekend. In addition to celebrating the historic legacy of Ocean Drive, the Avalon Hotel enthusiastically welcomed guests with:

• a special Art Deco Lunch menu as part of its newly introduced Avalon by Day dining options;
• a conversation with photojournalist Manny Hernandez and journalist Jacquelynn Powers, in partnership with MDPL, about celebrity-filled days of Ocean Drive in the ‘90s, amidst the backdrop of the Art Deco District;
• an Avalon “Rocket Bar” special food and beverage offering for the Miami Vice Pub Crawl; and
• live music on the terrace.

Complementing the 100^th Anniversary celebration, the Mayor and City Commission approved an Art Deco Painting Incentive Program (the “Program”), a new grant launched during Art Deco Weekend, to inspire property owners and tenants to refresh Miami Beach Architectural District buildings with the historic Leonard Horowitz pastel color palette, emblematic of Art Deco design.

The Program will provide matching grants, covering up to 50% of eligible painting costs, with a maximum city contribution of $20,000 per property. The Program invites property owners and tenants, of contributing historic buildings, within the Miami Beach Architectural District, generally located between 5" Street and 23° Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue, to participate in this collaborative effort to preserve and revive the city's historic landscape. The City is partnering with renowned British designer Barbara Hulanicki, a pivotal figure in architectural revitalization, to revitalize Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco architecture. For additional information, please view the Art Deco Painting Incentive Program.