Miami Architecture – Venetian Pool in Coral Gables

We can categorize Miami Landmarks in many ways, from style, location, era, scale … so many choices!! But there’s one place that it’s undoubtedly a landmark, and that’s The Venetian Pool.

There isn’t one time that I post a photo of Venetian Pool on Instagram that I don’t get bombarded with people talking about memories they have from the pool and THAT, my friends, is what makes a great landmark. And not to mention the fact that it is super photogenic!

(SIDE NOTE: I could have used old photos of the pool but writing this article gave me an excuse to make a field trip and get some more shots)

Venetian Pool History

The Venetian Pool was opened in 1924 as the Venetian Casino. It was one of many ideas conceptualized by The Father of Coral Gables, George Merrick. Venetian Pool was among Merrick’s grand entrances and plazas with Mediterranean features, which contained local limestone. The unsightly quarry pit for the limestone used for the construction of a lot of Coral Gables, became Venetian Pool, designed by Phineas Paist and Denman Fink. As per Coral Gables:

In its early days, the “Venetian Casino”, was quite a destination for the high society people of the day. Movie Stars Johnny Weismuller and Esther Williams both appeared there to large crowds. The pool was also a site for orchestra concerts. The pool would be emptied and the orchestra would then perform on the pool floor. Many years later in 2001, The scene would be duplicated as a concert was held on the pool floor to commemorate the City of Coral Gables’ 75th birthday.

In 1989, a historical renovation was completed and the pool is included in the National Register of Historic Places, the only swimming pool to have such a designation.

Venetian Pool today

Located at 2701 de Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Please visit Venetian Pool for hours of operation:

The Venetian Pool is an aquatic facility unlike any other in the country. It has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world, and is still one of the main tourist attractions for those visiting the City of Coral Gables.

The pool was created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, where much of the original coral rock was used to border and further accentuate the pool. It also features two large historic lookout towers, with a view to the City Beautiful. The 820,000 gallon pool is fed with spring water from an underground aquifer.

In the spring and summer seasons, the pool is filled and drained daily! Of course the aquifer is not the only feature that enhances a visitor’s experience. There are two waterfalls that provide a scenic backdrop as well as the cave-like grottos which provide a fun experience for swimmers. The Venetian Pool’s beauty is further accentuated by its loggias, porticos, palm trees and signature bridge. It truly is an unforgettable experience!

originally published 10/24/2018