Gardens by Moonlight sheds light on hidden world of Vizcaya Museum

Photos By Jason Hesch

Strolling the Village at Vizcaya, bring your kids or bring a date, with a full moon out and under partly cloudy skies this once in a blue moon event is sure to bring about romance and memories. Haven’t heard of it? Well, it’s little known because it’s seldom open to the public and a seclusion of its own.

This hidden gem is behind the parking lot of the old science museum and across the street from the main Vizcaya entrance, this is James Deering original working farm back in the 1910s and 1920s. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is hosting Gardens by Moonlight, a one-of-a-kind experience marking the start of its centennial celebration.

This is a nice date option for at night it has its own feel. Tall Banyan trees surround the property and are lit up with spotlights highlighting their multi-root trunks. Music plays in the background as multiple musician groups play throughout the campus. At least 6 on my count.

Inside I found old photographs of the estate and farm, including a 1934 aerial shot, showing the undeveloped, but planned grid of the future Miami. Several docents placed around the park explain to visitors the various structures and what was grown or raised. At their tables are more photos of its heyday.

Paths are lit by simple light bulbs hanging from strings on poles, giving this scene a city street fair flare. Most important is to enjoy the art distributed throughout by local artists and students from FIU. I especially like the one exhibit of “bones in a net” hanging between two trees. At night this gives an eerie feel. Or check out neon signs in a cursive writing. What the sign says, I have no idea, it’s fluidity that makes it beautiful. Sit down on a bench and enjoy from a food truck completes this extravaganza.