Editors Note: The Barbara Baer Capitman archive’s “Historic Threads” project is partly sponsored by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida. We’re highlighting important documents that tell the story of Miami Beach, coinciding with National Historic Preservation Month sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Miami Beach Bandshell, previously known as the North Beach Bandshell, is one of Miami Beach’s most iconic historical landmarks. Designed by MiMo pioneer architect, Norman Giller, the open-air amphitheater is located within Bandshell Park at 7275 Collins Avenue. The bandshell is the last surviving structure of its kind. It still possesses the integrity of its original location and retains many of its historic details and Miami Modern craftsmanship of its post-WWII construction. Recognizing its historical and architectural value, the Bandshell was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.
The following excerpts are from the North Beach Bandshell Designation Report (the official application to register the Miami Beach Bandshell in the National Register of Historic Places) prepared by the City of Miami Beach Planning Department, on September 13, 2021:
Historical Background:
“Long before the incorporation of Miami Beach in 1915, even before this desolate barrier island became a coconut plantation, the Biscayne House of Refuge was built near present-day 72nd Street (just south of what would become the future site of the North Beach Bandshell). It was one of five stations constructed by the United States Lifesaving Service (a precursor to the Coast Guard) along Florida’s southeast coast in 1876. These stations usually housed a keeper and his family, and they provided shelter and food for shipwrecked mariners. It is widely believed that the Biscayne House of Refuge was the first formal structure erected on the barrier island now known as Miami Beach. It was also the birthplace of Richard Peacock, son of the keeper at that time. Born on November 4, 1886, he is reputedly the first person born in what would later become Miami Beach.”
Architectural Description:
“The bandshell was designed as an open-air facility to host a variety of civic and community activities. Comprised of sculptured concrete forms, the bandshell complex is designed as an amphitheater with a central circular terrazzo dance floor surrounded by a semi-circular area for seating and a central stage. A perimeter wall capped with decorative cast concrete breeze block encircles the amphitheater complex. The large, curved concrete stage is flanked by two side entrances, each detailed with large cantilevered concrete canopies that appear to float, and a main gate that is on axis with the stage and enclosed in a tower of curved columns. This open-air performing arts facility was sensitively designed to respond to its unique tropical location in Miami Beach. The highly spirited open form of its architecture integrates artfully with its coconut palm setting by the sea”
Further, staff finds the proposed historic site to be eligible for historic designation and in conformance with the designation criteria for the following reasons:
— Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the history of the city, the county, state or nation. The construction of the North Beach Bandshell directly reflects the turn of events in America following World War II (WWII). The advent of reliable and affordable mass-produced automobiles and air transportation and the introduction of air-conditioning during the early mid-century period, made year-round resort living in South Florida highly desirable and practical, as well as within the reach of America’s middle class. The booming post war economy gave the growing middle class more leisure time leading to increased tourism and the construction of modern entertainment venues. Financial prosperity combined with a strong sense of optimism led to a nationwide focus on the arts and entertainment in the two decades following the end of the war. Miami Beach, particularly along Collins Avenue north of 43rd Street, became a magnet for live entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s. The construction of the North Beach Bandshell in 1961, is directly associated with events that followed WWII.
— Embody the distinctive characteristics of a historical period, architectural or design style or method of construction. The North Beach Bandshell embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Post War Modern style of architecture, the style of choice used by successful developers in the period that followed World War II in Miami Beach as well as other areas of South Florida. The design of the Bandshell incorporates sculptured concrete forms, decorative cast concrete breeze block large, curved concrete stage, floating cantilevered concrete canopies This open-air performing arts facility was sensitively designed to respond to its unique tropical location in Miami Beach.
— Possesses high artistic values. The North Beach Bandshell, with its dramatic use of soaring concrete columns, acute angles and sweeping roof line, exemplifies high artistic values. A 2002 exhibit launched by the Municipal Art Society at the Urban Center Galleries on Madison Avenue entitled, “Beyond the Box – Mid – Century Modern Architecture in Miami and New York,” which featured the North Beach Bandshell, underscores the high artistic value of the architecture.
— Represent the work of a master, serve as an outstanding or representative work of a master designer, architect or builder who contributed to our historical, aesthetic or architectural heritage. The North Beach Bandshell was designed by Norman Giller, a prominent local architect who also designed among others, the Carillon Hotel, Bombay Hotel and original Diplomat Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale (now demolished).
— A building, structure (including the public portions of the interior), improvement or landscape feature may be designated historic even if it has been altered if the alteration is reversible and the most significant architectural elements are intact and repairable. The North Beach Bandshell complex retains a high degree of architectural integrity with very limited modifications.
The Miami Beach Bandshell is directed by the Rhythm Foundation and was named ‘BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE 2023’ by Miami New Times. They host free concerts weekly featuring some of the best musicians from around the globe. You can find a list of their upcoming concerts on MDPL’s event calendar, or on the Miami Beach Bandshell’s website.
