Echoing a desire for nostalgia for historic spaces, Alcova, which earlier this year graced Milan Design Week at the historic villas in Brianza, is now set to transport to Miami’s vibrant cultural scene. Trailing this nostalgic trip, Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima, founders of Alcova, have cast Miami’s oldest hotel—the River Inn, as the host for the second international edition of Alcova 2024.

Sketched in 2018, Alcova— a curatorial project, is an independent design platform that has garnered a cult in Milan as well as internationally. Known for its nifty tactics of blending traditional forms with contemporary designs, Alcova originally transpired alongside Milan Design Week. Over the years, it has served as an impetus for unearthing some of the city’s clandestine bijoux. From transforming the old Cova panettone factory in Milan’s Nolo neighbourhood, to rejuvenating the Baggio military hospital, and the historic Porta Vittoria slaughterhouse, Alcova has bestowed these derelict spaces with raison d’être and creativity.

A Victorian Piece From History

For Alcova 2024’s Miami edition, the neighbourhood’s oldest hotel River Inn, marks the continuation of a legacy of underscoring historic venues. Located in Little Havana, “River Inn has a unique history and vibrant community atmosphere, encapsulating the spirit of Alcova’s mission to create dynamic platforms that celebrate the architectural legacy of the cities we work in,” the founders explain. Currently posing as a vivacious co-living space and bar, River Inn is one of the oldest living structures in the pulsating neighbourhood. But the hotel’s tale began in 1908 when a continuum of Victorian-style boarding houses were erected on the west side of the Miami River in the South River Drive Historic District. Once known as ‘Riverside,’ this historic hotel was among the first establishments offering shelter to tourists and new residents enamoured by Miami’s tropical climate. 

Also Read: Unveiling Design Mumbai 2024: A Symphony of Global Inspiration and Indian Artistry

The founders of Alcova accurately selected the hotel River Inn for its vibrant yet reminiscent restored settings. Later this year as Miami Art Week kicks off, this flamboyant hotel will concurrently transform into an artistic hub from December 3rd to 8th. The platform’s avant-garde vision and the founder’s profound penchant for all things vintage and restored materials and technological innovation along with nouveau installations, will sit against the restored milieu of the hotel. The founders further emphasize, “Miami’s unique urban fabric and architectural heritage continue to inspire us – and the designers who make up the Alcova community”. 

Also Read: Alchemies, A Journey Through Bharti Kher’s Most Ambitious UK Exhibition

A Tale Of Alliance Between Eras

The hotel’s recent restoration brought it onto Alcova’s founders’ radar, whose aim with every edition is to merge historical charm with contemporary design installations. The four wood-frame houses of River Inn (known as Riverside at that time) underwent meticulous restoration led by the developer Avra Jain while looping in the City of Miami Historic Preservation and the Miami Dade Heritage Trust, to ensure authenticity. From the revamped frail wood siding and revived durable Dade County pine floors, to restored antique furniture every detail in these pastel-coloured structures pays homage to a bygone charm mimicking Alcova’s ingenious installations.

For the platform’s second international edition, the River Inn’s meticulously restored elements offer an eccentric canvas featuring preserved details like; a stone fireplace, Spanish tiles whispering tales of Little Havana, and the reinstated historic windows. While, the repaired wood sidings, traditional furnishings and nautical accents serve as a vibrant stage for parading the ingenious installations.

Also Read: The Ultimate Show Guide To Art & Design In Mumbai For 2024

With every detail—from the window shade art inspired by historic photographs of striped awnings to the revamped Victorian-style bathtub—exhibiting the restoration team’s ardour, Alcova 2024’s venue, River Inn, recounts prose from Miami’s classic tale. Echoing Miami’s urban culture with its music, graffiti, and Dixieland-style structures, this vibrant space captures the essence of  Alcova’s artistic expression, materializing into a canvas for creative musings that inspire tour-de-forces. As Miami Art Week looms, Alcova 2024’s venue aims to weave a tapestry of time, bestowing visitors with fragments from distinct eras while offering an immersive experience.

You can catch ‘Alcova’ alongside Miami Art Week from December 3rd to 8th, 2024 at Miami River Inn in Miami, FL 33130, United States