Miami is known for its beaches and nightlife, but its architecture deserves equal attention. Across the city, design plays a major role in shaping not just how the skyline looks, but how residents and visitors experience daily life. From historic buildings that helped define a movement to modern towers redefining what’s possible, the city’s architecture reflects its constant evolution.
The Freedom Tower
Located downtown near the American Airlines Arena, the Freedom Tower is one of Miami’s most iconic structures. Completed in 1925, it was originally home to The Miami News. In the 1960s, it took on a new role as the processing center for Cuban refugees, earning its place in the city’s cultural memory.
With its Mediterranean Revival style and bright stucco facade, the tower stands out in a sea of glass and steel. The design was inspired by the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain. Inside, the building has since been restored and now functions as a cultural museum and event space.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Tucked into the Coconut Grove neighborhood, Vizcaya offers a striking contrast to the modern growth surrounding it. Built between 1914 and 1922, this estate was the winter home of industrialist James Deering. Its Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture and elaborate gardens feel like a portal to another time.
The main building features imported stone, intricate ceilings, and antique furnishings collected from Europe. Outside, the property’s waterfront layout, symmetrical gardens, and stone sculptures create a peaceful atmosphere rarely found in the city’s center. It’s one of the best-preserved historic sites in Miami and a favorite destination for architecture and design enthusiasts.
The Atlantis Condominium
Built in 1982, the Atlantis Condominium on Brickell Avenue remains one of Miami’s most recognizable high-rises. Its bold design made it a fixture in pop culture, thanks in part to its appearance in the opening credits of the television show Miami Vice. Designed by Arquitectonica, the building helped introduce a more playful and expressive style to high-rise residential design.
The most distinct feature is the cutout in the center of the building, which includes a bright red spiral staircase, a palm tree, and a hot tub. This void, or “sky court,” was unlike anything seen at the time. The Atlantis signaled a turning point in Miami, FL, architecture by showing that high-rise living could be bold, functional, and visually striking.
One Thousand Museum
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, One Thousand Museum represents the cutting edge of Miami, FL, architecture. Located along Biscayne Boulevard, this luxury condo tower features an exoskeleton structure that supports the building and shapes its visual identity. The curved, white frame twists along the height of the structure, giving it a futuristic look.
Completed in 2019, the tower includes private helipads, rooftop pools, and large residential units with sweeping views. The building is one of the most technically complex projects ever built in the city and continues to attract attention from both architects and buyers.
The Faena Forum
Opened in 2016, the Faena Forum is part of a larger development in Miami Beach that includes hotels, residences, and cultural spaces. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and OMA, the building is used for performances, exhibitions, and public events. It features a round shape with white concrete and geometric cutouts that allow natural light to filter through.
The Forum stands at the intersection of design and culture. Its flexible interior allows for large installations, music events, and rotating exhibits. In a city often associated with entertainment, this landmark highlights how architecture can create opportunities for dialogue, exploration, and creativity.
An Architectural City Built on Layers
The landmarks across Miami reflect a city that has grown through many chapters. Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, modernist, and contemporary styles all have a place here. What sets the city apart is how these different forms exist side by side, creating a visual rhythm that is both unexpected and intentional.
Whether walking through South Beach’s pastel-colored facades or looking up at Brickell’s latest towers, every corner of the city tells a story through structure and detail. The result is a living landscape that continues to evolve while honoring its past.
As the real estate market grows, Miami, FL, architecture continues to influence what buyers and investors value most, whether that is panoramic views, historic charm, or future-focused design.
Navigate Miami Real Estate With an Eye for Design
Understanding architecture helps you understand the lifestyle a home or building can support. For those entering the Miami real estate market, recognizing a property's character and design is just as important as its location or square footage.
Jason Schonholtz brings both market insight and local knowledge to the table. He helps clients find a property that’s the right fit for their lifestyle and personal tastes, whether that’s a condo in a landmark tower, a restored home with Art Deco lines, or a newer build with clean, modern features.
If you’re planning your next move in Miami, Jason Schonholtz is ready to guide you through a market shaped by innovation and rich with design. Reach out today to take the first step toward a smarter search.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
