South Beach — Florida’s “neon Riviera” — lights up the sky with its colorful array of Art Deco hotels located along Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue. Striking architectural details that recall the heyday of Miami Beach in the 1940s distinguish each property. The Sagamore Hotel, however, stands out from the rest — not only for its post-Modern architecture but, more notably, for what it houses inside. Built in 1948 by renowned architect Albert Anis, the Sagamore Hotel doubles as a museum, displaying a rotating collection of more than 300 contemporary works of art in its public spaces and guest suites.
The idea for a hotel/ gallery combination was conceived by real estate investor/developer Martin W. Taplin and wife Cricket, who purchased and redeveloped the Sagamore in 1999. Its less-than-illustrious condition a half-century later necessitated an extensive four-year restoration. As the lobbies were being restored and the public areas expanded, the obvious became clear: “Why not share our acquisitions with others, especially the public?” Cricket proposed.
The “acquisitions,” of course, refer to the Taplins’ impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photography, and installation art and video by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Once affiliated with prominent art collector Martin Z. Margulies in the former Margulies-Taplin Gallery, the couple has been amassing important art for more than 15 years. Their collection, which Martin dubs as “edgy” and Cricket asserts “could be a bit edgier,” includes works by Massimo Vitali, Walker Evans, Liza May Post, Olafur Eliasson, Tina Dietz, Michelle Feder and Christine Borland, to name a few. Several other recognized, emerging artists, such as Miami-based Carlos Betancourt, add to the eclectic mix.
With its cutting-edge style, the newly renovated Sagamore draws a young, hip, urban crowd that appreciates good art. Conversely, as Marty also points out, the inspired, art-infused spaces

“introduce people to art, many who may never have visited a museum,” he says.
Inside and out, the hotel was restored to its former glory, providing the perfect backdrop for the Taplins’ museum-quality collection. While many architectural and decorative elements were lost or seriously damaged over the years, many were given new life, including the angled facade, keystone pilasters, porte-cochere, the reception desk and fireplace. Additional features typical of Miami Beach’s Art Deco era also remain, such as the wraparound corners, vertical light coves and patterned terrazzo flooring in the main lobby — the most historically intact part of the hotel. Encompassing a library and lounge area, the lobby extends from the porte-cochere to the rear patio.
The upstairs lobby/gallery — a more voluminous space with direct ocean and pool access — reflects a more contemporary side of the hotel. Here, gleaming white thassos marble flooring meets crisp white walls for a true gallery-like setting. While each of the hotel’s 93 guest suites also showcase original art, the eight penthouses and 16, two-story bungalows display more significant pieces from the extensive collection.
With the assistance of artist Rafael Salazar, Cricket personally places every work of art according to its scale and her own enlightened instincts, of course. “I move the art around until it works,” she says.
To further enhance the aesthetics and offerings of the Sagamore, the Taplins partnered with Jason Pomeranc of Thompson Hotels to manage the property. “From the beginning, we wanted the Sagamore to stand out from other South Beach hotels,” Pomeranc says, “to have a feeling that’s more similar in spirit to a European resort. Its art collection helps to distinguish the guest experience from other boutique hotels, both locally and elsewhere. It’s unexpected, inviting, challenging and different.”In addition to the hotel’s existing amenities — an infinity pool, café and a sundeck — plans for a fashionable gourmet restaurant and a full-service rooftop spa are under way.
As the hotel expands, so does its collection. Committed to growth, the Taplins constantly add to, rotate and exchange their collection for public viewing within the hotel. On rare occasion, they host a special exhibit of a major artist, which is combined with a lecture.
With its eyeful of art and architecture, the Sagamore offers “cultural tourism” at its best.
For more information on the Sagamore Hotel, call 305/535-8088. Or, take a virtual tour of the property at www.thompsonhotels.com.

Massimo Vitali’s photograph, “Pic Nic Poker,” provides a striking backdrop for the lobby.

The lobby features the original reception desk and glass mail slots. Rosy Paine’s installation decorates the wall above the desk.

A globe by Russell Crotty hovers above the sitting area of the lobby, where Tina Dietz’s images capture a poppy before and after blooming.

Mark Miloff’s series of thick, textural oil paintings on canvas, titled “Whales,” lines one wall of the hotel.

Christine Borland’s head sculptures top pedestals in the second-floor gallery.