Vizcaya Museum and Gardens' Centennial

Vizcaya has stood the test of time, having survived one hundred years of Florida hurricanes, and the estate persevered again during the centennial year with the strike of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The Main House's poured-in-place concrete construction fared well against the strong winds. The storm surge was another story. Saltwater, seaweed and debris inundated the estate's gardens, flooded the Main House basement and Café and Shop, and the wind caused extensive damage to the rockland hammock. The Barge, Tea House and boat landing all sustained significant damage that will take time and financial resources to repair. The community rallied in support of Vizcaya. More than five hundred volunteers helped clear debris from the gardens and grounds. The three-week-long labor of love allowed Vizcaya to reopen to the public twenty days after the storm, on October 1, 2017. This outpouring of help demonstrated our community's passion for Vizcaya, and Hurricane Irma has only strengthened our resolve to play a leadership role in discussions on resiliency and climate change in South Florida. JOINING FORCES TO OVERCOME ADVERSITY

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