Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Receives Landmark $20 Million Gift from Ken Griffin, Sets Stage for Vizcaya Village Revitalization

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, located along Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, has received a landmark $20 million gift from philanthropist Ken Griffin, marking a transformative moment in the museum’s history and setting the stage for the revitalization of Vizcaya Village.

A Historic Gift and Bold Vision

On November 7 2025, Vizcaya revealed the gift, which marks a defining moment in its next chapter of restoration and renewal. The funds will support the ongoing revitalization of Vizcaya’s campus and the launch of a major fundraising campaign—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve Miami’s cultural heritage and expand public access.

According to the press release: the gift will fund the creation of a new “Center for Learning and Discovery” within Vizcaya Village—housed in the historic barns and stables—featuring educational programming for students, families, and visitors, including hands-on art-making and urban agriculture experiences.

Opening Villa Serena to the Public — After 111 Years

Perhaps most notable: the plan to relocate and open to the public the historic home Villa Serena, built in 1913 for former U.S. Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. Until now, Villa Serena has long been inaccessible to the public. Under the proposed plan, it would be moved a few blocks to the southern portion of Vizcaya Village, placed near its original site, and become a public asset for the first time in 111 years. The relocation and opening are subject to regulatory review from Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami and other historic-preservation authorities.

In addition to the capital gift, Griffin is contributing a $5 million endowment to support the long-term care, programming and public access of Villa Serena—without reliance on taxpayers.

Why This Matters for Miami’s Cultural & Community Future

As one of South Florida’s most-visited historic house museums—drawing nearly 400,000 visitors annually—Vizcaya is uniquely positioned to expand its role. The revitalization of Vizcaya Village, and opening of Villa Serena, will reshape how Miami locals and visitors interact with the city’s history, architecture, landscapes, and community programs.

Key components of the plans include:

• Restoration and enhancement of historic buildings and landscapes within the Village, as part of a phased plan developed with preservation & landscape architecture firms.
• Expanded educational and community programs, including urban-agriculture experiences (for example “The Field,” a new edible garden) and other public-facing initiatives.
• Reimagining Vizcaya Village as a vibrant cultural destination, blending museum functions, community gathering spaces, education, and heritage interpretation.

As noted by Joel Hoffman, Executive Director & CEO of Vizcaya: “Ken Griffin’s extraordinary $20 million gift will accelerate our vision for Vizcaya Village as a center for education, history, and community engagement.”

What’s Next & How to Stay Engaged

With the gift secured and the master plan in motion, the next steps include securing regulatory approvals for the relocation of Villa Serena, advancing restoration work at Vizcaya Village, and launching the fundraising campaign. The project is built on strong collaboration between public investment, private philanthropy and community-driven vision.
Vizcaya

For members of the public, this means: more opportunities to engage with Miami’s cultural heritage; new ways to participate in educational programs; and the chance to experience historic estates in ways previously unavailable.
If you’re interested in supporting the campaign or planning a visit, you can explore more information on Vizcaya’s website.

In Summary

This development is more than a large donation: it signals a strategic shift for Vizcaya from historic estate to dynamic cultural campus. The combination of capital investment, public access expansion (via Villa Serena), and community programming sets a new standard for how historic institutions can engage 21st-century audiences.

If you’re in Miami (or planning to visit), keep an eye on the transformation of Vizcaya Village—this is a landmark moment for the city’s cultural landscape.