ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
Miami has some wonderful museums, but don't forget that much of the city a museum unto itself. There are beautiful examples of several architectural styles scattered around the city and it's worth the time to check some of them out. The Versace Mansion (Amsterdam Palace) is one such example. While there is a bit of a morbid twist to the place (Versace was murdered on the very steps that you're admiring) it's a wonderful experience to take a look at this stunning example of Italian architecture. Built in the 1930s as a replica of Christopher Columbus's son's palace in Santo Domingo the houses original name was Cas Casuarina (House of Pine) but the name was changed after George Amsterdam bought it in 1935. Estefan Enterprises is another fun one. Housing the musical empire of Gloria and Emilio Estefan this whimsical building designed by Arquitectonica is amazing. Its façade is carved with colour-lined waves and fanciful shapes. Next stop, The Miami Beach Post Office. Built in 1937 this depression-era modernist building features an incredible rotunda. With utterly Floridian coral steps leading up the entrance and an intricate sun motif surrounding the lantern hanging from the ceiling this gorgeous site should not be missed. Finally Morris Lapidus on Lincoln Drive will surely entertain. Designed by the architect best known for the Fontainbebleau Hotel, this series of sculptures with their angular, whimsical and quirky designs would look great even on their own, but the amusing mix of pedestrians who interact with the shapes only make it better.
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