The Most Instagrammable Art Deco Buildings in Miami

Miami and art deco go hand in hand; according to the USA’s National Register of Historic Buildings, South Beach alone is home to over 800 structures in this stunning style, all within one square mile of each other. And as if that wasn’t impressive enough, the area is also well known for being where famed Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace lived (in a mansion on Ocean Drive). Yes, you’ve really hit the jackpot if you want to freshen up your Instagram with pics of some of the coolest architecture ever created.
Staying with us in Miami? Make your social media sizzle by snapping the city’s most standout buildings. Art deco here is easy to spot if you know where – and how – to look; we’ve put together a few suggestions to help get you started.
 

The Bass Museum of Art

2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

As Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum, the Bass is a cornerstone of the city’s deco culture. Founded in 1964, it was established after the donation of a private collection belonging to local residents John and Johanna Bass, opening in what was formerly the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center: a 1930s art deco building designed by South Florida ‘starchitect’ Russell Pancoast. Considered an outstanding example of architecture in this style, it is now historically designated, by both the National Register of Historic Places and the City of Miami Beach. Without doubt, the Bass needs to be on your list of important art deco structures to see – and snap – while staying with us in Miami.
 

1450 Collins Ave

1450 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Originally built in 1939 and situated in the heart of Miami’s Architectural (Art Deco) District, the former city’s Senor Frogs was once the Hoffman’s Cafeteria building, a styling of ‘Great Floridian’ Henry Hohauser. Taking modern to the max, this local landmark has a sleek, splendidly curved façade that’s sure to make your Instagram a hit (and provoke serious vacation envy!). In January 2022, Miami Beach investor Yossi Lipkin acquired the Art Deco property and plan to open a beautiful upper-scale resort wear store. Whatever you do, be sure to take a few pictures of former Miami’s Senor Frogs to share with your Instagram followers during your stay with us.
 

Colony Theatre

1040 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

On January 25, 1935, the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road first opened its doors as a Paramount Pictures movie house. Nowadays, Miami New Drama, hosting an exciting array of events such as live music, dance, comedy, and dramatic performances, proudly manages it. A 430-seat state-of-the-art venue, the Colony’s art deco design makes it one of the crown jewels of Miami Beach. And it just recently underwent a huge makeover; three years and 6.5 million dollars later, the renovation has helped restore the site’s original grandeur, as well as updating its stage and technical equipment. If art deco’s your thing, stop by the Colony Theatre – home to bold lines and daring geometric patterns too irresistible not to photograph again and again (and, of course, upload to Instagram!).
 

Miami Beach Post Office

1300 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Designed by architect and engineer Howard Lovewell Cheney in 1937, the Miami Beach Post Office gives another name to the art deco style in which it was created: Deco Federal. (This helped distinguish it – as a federal building – from other public structures crafted to similar ‘decedent’ designs.) Outside, you’ll notice a classical central rotunda and a surprisingly minimalist façade; however, the interior is busy with bits of shiny brass detailing, a starburst ceiling, and even a cowboys-and-Indians frieze. As well as providing a key public service, Miami Beach Post Office is also one of the most Instagrammable art deco buildings in the entire city and should be snapped with the utmost enthusiasm.
 

Former Cameo Nightclub

1445 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

As the light fades to a bruised purple and the neon comes alive, Miami takes on a whole new image. Many of the city’s art deco buildings are reinvigorated as soon as the sun goes down, but nowhere more so than former Cameo Nightclub. At its brightest and most vivid, this former 1938 movie theatre (designed by celebrated architect Robert E. Collins) hosted famous DJs instead of motion pictures.
 

The Webster

1220 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Selling high-end designer wear in a sunlit space that’s all but guaranteed to brighten your social media, art deco doesn’t get more glorious than in the Webster building. Yet another Henry Hohauser masterpiece (remember Hoffman’s Cafeteria building, aka Senor Frogs?), you’ll see rich colours and lavish ornamentation everywhere you look. Seamlessly blending the traditional with a dose of avant-garde nerve, it’s not just the merchandise that draws in the crowds here. So, make sure you’re the first in line! Also, did you know that the Terrazzo on the main floor is the original? Definitely one for the Instagram account if you ask us.
 

The Clevelander

1020 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

There’s nowhere quite like the Clevelander – showstopping, but not show-off. Art deco reaches its peak at this lively, open-air bar, which attracts many of Ocean Drive’s most colourful characters. A South Beach icon, Albert Anis built it in 1938, and we can see he went all out, incorporating a fully ornate central bay and ‘eyebrows’ that split in the front but continue along the sides. Recent additions such as an outdoor pool area only serve to enhance the glamour visitors expect from the venue. If it’s quality Instagram pics you seek, the Cleveland is the spot you’re looking for!
 

Every day is a deco day in Miami. With buildings painted lovely shades of pastel blue, pink and more, you’re bound to come away with plenty of great pics. Look out, Instagram!