An Introduction To Miami Modernist Architecture

Miami Modernist architecture is a regional style of architecture that developed in South Florida during the post-war period as a response to the International Style of architecture. Here, Culture Trip focuses on five excellent and world-famous buildings as we guide you through a brief introduction to this revolutionary and uniquely Florida-esque style of architecture.

1. Fontainebleau Hotel

Resort, Suite Hotel, Hotel

First on our list is the Fontainebleau Hotel, a Miami Beach building with a buzzing nightlife. It was designed in the 1950s by an architect named Morris Lapidus, a name synonymous with MiMo (Miami Modernist) architecture. Morris will forever be remembered for his Neo-Baroque hotel buildings that made Miami Beach come alive in the 1950s and 1960s.

2. Eden Roc

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Another building designed in the 1950s by Morris Lapidus is the Eden Roc in Miami Beach. Eden Roc Miami Beach has been a favorite of distinguished guests, from politicians to Hollywood’s top stars. The hotel was renovated in 2008 and has 631 guest rooms, including 96 suites. The hotel was designed for Harry Mufson, who had partnered with Ben Novack to build the Fontainebleau.

3. Ritz-Carlton

Hotel

At The Ritz-Carlton, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a chic urban landscape in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. The landmark hotel was designed by – you might have guessed it – Morris Lapidus. Keeping true to his postmodernism style, the Dilido building (as it was originally known) embraces its glamorous past with a transformed contemporary spirit.

5. The Deauville

Hotel, Resort

View at terrace and swimming pool of the Deauville Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

This contemporary beachfront hotel was designed by architect Melvin Grossman in 1957 and is known as the building where The Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 16th, 1964. This event catapulted The Deauville into stardom, as it quickly became Hollywood’s favorite destination. At the “Rolling Parties” in the Napoleon Ballroom, you’d find artists such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong and Tony Bennett.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.