Exploring Miami

We're beginning to find our way around Miami a little better now.  Here are a few spots we've visited so far this week: 

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Gehry's New World Symphony sculpture garden

The New World Symphony building by architect Frank Gehry

I've had an interest in Gehry's buildings since art school, and when I saw his name in a South Beach guidebook I got super excited.  Jon and I visited the New World Symphony building the first night we were here, but I was disappointed to see that it was a pretty normal 4-sided rectangular building.  (Look at his concert hall for the LA Philharmonic below and you'll see why.)

There's a beautiful sculpture garden in front of the South Beach space that reflects the Gehry I expected to see.  But later I researched the space a little more and saw the interior (below):  gorgeous!  And exactly what I would expect from this creative man.  The sound inside must be unbelievable.  Jon and I are going to see if we can get a look inside later today.

two photos above via google images

Coral Gables

This morning we took a drive through Coral Gables, a fully-planned neighborhood just outside of downtown Miami designed by George Merrick.  Anyone building here must follow strict architectural guidelines reflecting a Mediterranean style.  Below are the Coral Gables Congregational Church, the Church of the Little Flower, the community Venetian Pool, and the Biltmore Hotel.

Little Havana

The name says it all here, I think.  We had a really great time here.  And they have an awesome art house theater that's playing so much good stuff right now!