May is Historic Preservation Month in the United States, organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Here are our top picks for celebrating locally this month. Follow our events calendar for more events happening in historic places and beautiful spaces all year long.
Take an Art Deco Walking Tour with the Miami Design Preservation League
Our guided walking tours are an excellent way to explore the Art Deco District and learn about Art Deco, Mediterranean, and MiMo – styles that we work tirelessly to preserve, protect, and promote. Tours are $35 ($30 for Seniors // Free for Members) and are offered daily at 10:30am. After the tour, head to the beach or have lunch at one of the historic hotel cafes along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue.
Check out the Wolfsonian-FIU’s latest exhibits
Just down the block from the Art Deco Welcome Center, this storage building-turned-museum has exhibits all year round focused on the period of 1850 to 1950.
Attend the Miami Shores Centennial Single-Family Homes Tour on May 11th
The Miami Shores Historic Preservation Board is organizing a tour of Centennial Homes – it’s a great way to explore the architectural heritage that is being newly rediscovered in the area.
Join MDPL on May 18th at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden for Art of Architecture with Savino & Miller Design Studio
Learn more and register here.
Visit the new Opa-locka Heritage Trail
The trail is a 15-station outdoor interpretive installation that shares never-before-seen images and stories of Opa-locka’s founding in 1926. While there, see the latest renovation of the historic Opa-locka city hall, which is nearing completion.
Catch up on Videos from our Educational Lecture Series
Peruse our Youtube Channel for a variety of playlists of educational lecture series, such as:
- 16th World Congress on Art Deco
- Art Deco Weekend 2024: Celebrating Florida’s Historic Coastal Communities
- Art of Architecture
Make sure to Subscribe to our Youtube Channel to receive updates when new videos are published.
Browse the MDPL Archives
View an assortment of articles and documents from the MDPL archives.
Attend a performance at the historic Miami Beach Bandshell
Located in North Beach, there is a full program of musical and cultural events taking place all month long. Visit their events schedule here.
See a Flamenco performance at the historic Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road
FlamenGO 2024 comes to the Colony Theatre for a special performance on May 11th at 8pm.
Attend Viernes Culturales in Little Havana on May 17th
The event which started in 2000 is now a cultural institution in its own right! Located in Little Havana, which has been recognized as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The monthly event takes place every Third Friday of the month starting at 12pm on Calle Ocho (8th Street from 14th – 17th Avenue) in Miami. Visit their website to learn more.
Explore Vizcaya, Miami’s most famous historic mansion
It’s always a great time to explore Miami’s most treasured historic landmark – Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. On May 10th, the US Navy Band Woodwind Quintet will be playing as part of Fleet Week Miami 2024.
Register for the 2024 Docomomo US National Symposium
This year’s symposium will be taking place in Miami, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach. Join modernism enthusiasts for four-days of tours and educational sessions. Learn more on the official website.
