09/19/2025
Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami, Florida (1950s and today.)
The Fontainebleau Hotel is one of Miami Beach’s most iconic landmarks, and this comparison between the 1950s and the present showcases its enduring legacy. Designed by Morris Lapidus, the hotel opened in 1954 and instantly became a symbol of Miami Beach glamour. In the 1950s, it was frequented by celebrities, socialites, and vacationers from around the world who came for its luxury and style. The sweeping curves and modern design of the Fontainebleau represented a bold departure from traditional hotel architecture, setting the tone for Miami Beach’s mid-century aesthetic. Today, while the hotel has undergone renovations and expansions, it remains a central figure in the city’s hospitality scene. Its pool, lobby, and grand scale continue to draw visitors. The side-by-side comparison reminds us how much has changed around the hotel, yet how much has also stayed the same. Few places in Miami Beach capture both history and modern vibrancy as well as the Fontainebleau. It continues to bridge past and present.
