Vizcaya Volunteer Guides In 2009, the Vizcaya Volunteer Guides celebrate 55 years of service to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Since 1954 – just one year after Vizcaya first opened its doors as a public institution – the dedicated men and women who make up the Volunteer Guides have offered tours of the main house to the public every day of the year except for Christmas.
Today, there are about 100 active Vizcaya Volunteer Guides, who, as a whole, offer tours in six different languages. Tours are 45 minutes in length and focus on how Vizcaya is the result of European traditions combined with an American, and very Miami, context.
Vizcaya Volunteer Guides receive the folowing benefits:
Specialized training in museum education methodology, tour content and techniques
Free copies of select Museum publications
The opportunity to join other Guides on field trips and social events
Free admission to Vizcaya for up to four guests per visit, provided the Guide is present (unlimited)
Discounts on Vizcaya’s public programs and in the Café and Shop
Receipt of Monthly Guides Newsletter
Access to the Florida Attractions Association Green Letter Program (allows Guides and their spouses and/or dependent children 18 and under free or greatly reduced admission to member Florida attractions)
Invitation for you and a guest to attend an annual holiday party.
The next new Volunteer Guides training classes are scheduled for every Saturday, January 23 - February26, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vizcaya’s tours are based on our Educational Philosophy which supports the needs of our diverse audiences, active and social learning, empowerment of visitors to make meaningful personal connections, lifelong learning and excellence in content, learning theory and practice.
Requirements for New Guides are as follows:*
Application and interview process with Vizcaya Volunteer Guides board member(s) and Vizcaya staff member(s)
Completion of standard Miami Dade County background check
One time, non-refundable training fee of $40
Minimum availability of two days per week for Guiding duties
Access to and regular use of email
Attendance at all New Guides Training Sessions and completion of certification process
Minimum two year commitment to the Vizcaya Volunteer Guides upon completion of training
Upon completion of tour training and certification, Guides will be required to sign a Letter of Commitment and pay
*Requirements are in the process of being updated and may change
Click here to download and print the application. Complete and fax to 305-285-2004, Attn: Volunteer Guides or mail to Vizcaya Volunteer Guides, 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL, 33129.
For more information or any questions about the volunteer training program, email
