Art Deco on the Miami Strip
The Art Deco style of architecture has become the façade of Miami Beach. This mix of modern decorative art styles (hence, the term), including cubism, geometric shapes and overlapping images, is unmistakable. South Beach has taken the traditional art deco style and created a unique neighborhood that is unmatched anywhere in the world. The nautical themes and tropical flowers embossed in the traditional patterns have earned this Art Deco District the nickname “Tropical Deco”. Ocean Drive, Miami Beach’s main drag, is splashed with a rainbow of tropical pastel pinks, blues and greens. At night the buildings are accented by bright neon lights. The approximate 800 buildings, ranging from hotels and apartments to cafes that comprise this district were built primarily during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. In fact,

the progression of the buildings’ construction and the area’s boom phases can be clearly seen: the early construction begins at 5th Street and progresses through the 30s, 40s and the 50s down to 27th Street. Some of the more popular landmark buildings in the area include the Colony Hotel and the Beacon Hotel. The Art Deco District Welcome Center offers walking tours regularly, which explain the architecture of the area in detail. South Beach’s Art Deco District covers 80 square blocks, and is one of the largest areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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