Two cities. One ocean-spanning style. This fall, Miami and Mumbai come together to celebrate 100 years of Art Deco in the most spectacular way.
Art Deco Alive! is a groundbreaking festival connecting these vibrant coastal cities through their shared architectural legacy. For the first time, these two Deco capitals will celebrate together across continents and time zones.
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What Is Art Deco Alive?
Imagine Miami’s pastel-hued hotels meeting Mumbai’s streamlined apartment buildings—the same kind of stunning architecture that often forms the backdrop in stylish movies. That’s exactly what this festival celebrates.
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“After living in both cities, we noticed something special,” says Mumbai-based founder Smiti Kanodia. “Both skylines are changing with new high-rises, but we want to celebrate the heritage that makes each city unique. This isn’t just about history—it’s about keeping these beautiful buildings alive for future generations.”
The festival brings together preservation groups from both cities, including the Miami Design Preservation League and Art Deco Mumbai Trust. Together, they’re creating an unforgettable cross-continental party that will even include film screenings showing how Art Deco has influenced cinema aesthetics in both India and America.
Two Cities, One Beautiful Style
The Miami Story
After a devastating hurricane in 1926, Miami Beach rebuilt with style. Architects created what we now call “Tropical Deco”—those beautiful pastel-colored buildings with nautical themes that make South Beach so Instagram-famous.
The Mumbai Story
Across the world, Mumbai was growing rapidly in the 1930s. Indian architects took the international Art Deco style and made it their own. They blended modern lines with local motifs, creating stunning buildings along Marine Drive and in other neighborhoods.
Today, both cities boast some of the world’s largest and best-preserved Art Deco districts. They’re like architectural twins separated by an ocean!
What’s Happening in Miami (October 8-12)
Get ready for an incredible lineup of events:
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Twin-City Museum Exhibition at the Art Deco Museum
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1920s Rewind Cocktail Party at The Wolfsonian-FIU
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Heritage Tours & Scavenger Hunts through South Beach
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Art Deco Symposium with fascinating talks
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Jewelry Edit Cocktail at The Webster featuring Deco-inspired designs
What’s Happening in Mumbai (November 6-25)
The celebration continues in India with:
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Museum Exhibit at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
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Deco Walks through UNESCO-recognized neighborhoods
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Film Screenings exploring Deco’s influence on Indian cinema
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Churchgate Street Rewind – a 1950s Bombay-style block party
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Jazz Soirée at an iconic 1930s address
Why This Matters Now
“Art Deco Alive! is more than a tribute to the past,” says co-founder Salma Merchant Rahmathulla. “It’s a celebration of cultural kinship and creative reinvention.”
The festival comes at the perfect time. As both cities grow and change, it’s more important than ever to appreciate and protect these architectural treasures. It’s not about stopping progress—it’s about remembering what makes each city special.
As co-founder Gayatri Hingorani Dewan notes: “Miami’s Art Deco feels celebratory and vibrant, while Mumbai’s is woven into the city’s hustle. Both are beautiful in their own way.”
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re in Miami or Mumbai, there’s something for everyone. From museum exhibitions to neighborhood walks, cocktail parties to block parties, this is your chance to experience Art Deco like never before.
Don’t miss this unique celebration of architecture, culture, and connection. Follow the festival online for updates and event details.
What building in your city makes you stop and admire its beauty? Share your favorite local architecture spot in the comments!