Miami Architecture – Adrienne Arsht Center for The Performing Arts

When you think of significant Miami architecture, The Arsht Center is at the top of the list.  Not only was it designed by renown architect, Cesar Pelli, but it was built on the site of a former Sears department store.  The new performing arts center was designed around the only surviving part of the original department store, an Art Deco seven-story tower, which stands as a testament that historic preservation is possible.

The Adrienne Arsht Center for The Performing Arts

Commonly called The Arsht Center, is one of the largest performing arts centers in The U.S.  It was originally called the Carnival Center when it opened in 2006, it was later renamed after Adrienne Arsht donated a significant amount of money to the facility.

The building was designed by architect Cesar Pelli, an Argentine American architect known for his work worldwide and awarded by the AIA, the “ten most influential living American architects” in 1991, AIA Gold Medal in 1995 and continues to receive global recognition.

(photo credit Mark Averette)

The historic Sears Tower that became part of the Arsht Center’s design was built in 1925 by Harrison Construction Co., Nimmons, Carr & Wright.  It is an Art Deco tower and was added in 1997 to The National Register of Historic Places.

The exterior lighting of The Arsht Center is nothing short of breathtaking.  It welcomes you from miles away and reminds us of Miami’s cultural diversity.  The location is just North of Downtown Miami in the southern edge of Edgewater, currently known as Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District. Condos in the vicity have the luxury of a walkable area of Miami full of restaurants, parks, museums, enternainment and The Metro-mover that takes you into Downtown Miami and The Brickell area.

**originally published 3/26/18