Miami Modern architecture is a style that became widely popular in Miami and South Florida following World War II throughout the 1950s and ‘60s.
The style takes inspiration from the city’s innate glamor and sleek modernity and is often referred to as MiMo – pronounced: “My-Mo.”
It developed as a response to the International Style and can be seen in many of the city’s resorts built following the Great Depression.
If you’re looking for MiMo in the city, look out for its trademark curved walls, “cheese holes,” brise soleil, and space-age details and motifs.
Here are six definitive examples of MiMo buildings across Miami and Miami Beach.
Fontainebleau Hotel (4441 Collins Ave)
Architect: Morris Lapidus, 1954
The first major luxury hotel built in the country since the Waldorf Astoria in 1932, this MiMo hotel is known for its signature c-shaped building.
The Fontainebleau’s lobby features a glamorous ‘stairway to nowhere’ and a tiled black-and-white marbled floor. It is one of the key landmarks comprising the Morris Lapidus/Mid-20th Century Historic District.
Eden Roc Hotel (4525 Collins Ave)
Architect: Morris Lapidus, 1955
Another gem by the legendary Morris Lapidus, the Eden Roc is a bold example of MiMo that blends sharp lines with bold color.
The building’s facade is curved and folded with two panels of masonry on Italian aquamarine tiles to match the sea just steps away. This hotel is currently also home to Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc Miami Beach
Vagabond Motel (7301 Biscayne Blvd)
Architect: Robert Swartburg, 1953
A retro hotel that embraces its 50s style, The Vagabond Hotel Miami is a MiMo landmark located on Biscayne Boulevard that was designated as a local historic site in 2003.
It features light blue detailing, a sparkling pool, and an open courtyard. It is also currently home to Mr. Mandolin, a Mediterranean restaurant.
International Inn on the Bay (2301 Normandy Dr)
Architect: Melvin Grossman, 1956
The International Inn is a stunning example of Miami Modern architecture located in Normandy Isles. Formerly known as the Carnival Motel, it was renamed in 1963.
The inn is known for its bold L-shaped two-story building and marvelous views of the bay nearby.
Waterside Hotel (7310 Harding Ave)
Architect: Robert M. Nordin, 1957
This colorful hotel is quintessentially MiMo, with its joined gabled roof, brise soleil, and façade decorated with colorful round letters.
Its open center courtyard calls back to the tropical MiMo Garden Style, which is very popular in Miami Beach residential properties.
DiLido Hotel (1669 Collins Ave)
Architect: Morris Lapidus, Melvin Grossman, 1953
Located on Lincoln Road and Collins Ave, the historic DiLido Hotel is currently a Ritz Carlton Hotel. The L-shaped building was inspired by the works of Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer.
This hotel is known as one of Miami Beach’s most glamorous, with its stunning recently-renovated lobby and its Lapidus Bar.
