Just a short drive from both Fort Lauderdale and downtown Miami, Vi at Aventura, a Life Plan Community, boasts an ideal location for accessing South Florida’s rich arts and cultural attractions. Whether on individual outings or through organized group trips and on-site activities, residents have a plethora of options to indulge their passion for the arts.
Just a Short Walk to Aventura’s Most Popular Attraction
Aventura’s main attraction, the Aventura Mall, is located just across the street from the community, giving residents not only easy access to luxury shopping, but a world-class art collection. Commissioned exclusively for the Aventura Mall, many of the vibrant murals and sculptures were created by young, renowned Miami artists. One of its most prominent recent pieces is the “Aventura Slide Tower” by world-renowned artist Carsten Höller. Commissioned specifically for the mall by its owners, the Soffer family, this is Höller’s first permanent slide in the United States.
The mall is so popular with residents that The Vi provides round-trip transportation once a week on what’s become known as “Aventura Mall Day.” “The mall trips are a great opportunity for our art-loving residents to socialize in a rich cultural setting,” said Marta Alonso, Vi at Aventura’s business development manager.
Art Takes Center Stage in Aventura
A short walk, or an even shorter drive, past Founders Park brings Vi at Aventura residents to the elegant waterfront site of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. There, residents have the opportunity to enjoy the ballet, Broadway musicals, and concerts and performances by local bands and tributes to artists like Sinatra and Streisand. “We add many of those events to our activity calendar and provide transport to several so that our community stays in the know,” said Alonso.
The nearby Michael-Ann Russell JCC hosts art exhibits and stages theater productions at the JCAT, the J’s Cultural Arts Theatre. "We have a close partnership with the JCC; many of our residents are members and go there daily,” said Alonso, “and The Vi sponsors performances and exhibits. We even bring the artists here for events at The Vi!”
Music to Our Ears
Music lovers and classical connoisseurs have many world-class options from which to choose. The Vi’s proximity to I-95 makes zipping up to the South Florida Symphony Orchestra in Fort Lauderdale or down to the Miami Symphony Orchestra a breeze.
For those who would rather not drive and park, The Vi’s Lifestyle Department organizes bus transportation to venues like the Olympia Theater in downtown Miami. “Our residents love to get dressed up, have a nice dinner and go to the theater or opera together. A trip to the Florida Grand Opera is always an exciting night,” said Alonso.
One of the most popular musical excursions for the community is to attend a performance of the Hallandale Symphonic Pops, where resident Peter Fuchs is the conductor. Up to 70 residents will go together to watch him conduct concerts throughout the Hallandale and Hollywood areas north of Aventura. “I love giving enjoyment to people, and it’s nice to see all the familiar faces enjoying a concert,” said Peter.
Residents don’t even have to leave the community to get a top-notch musical experience. Strolling through the newly renovated Grand Salon, it’s not uncommon for the community’s weekly happy hour to include performances from local singers and groups. Peter frequently invites accomplished musicians he’s worked with to perform, from string and brass quartets to sax quintets, steel drums and klezmer bands.
When he’s not hosting a musical group at The Vi, Peter can be spotted tickling the ivories on one of the community’s two pianos. He’s entertained residents, staff and visitors with impromptu evenings of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, sometimes accompanied by a talented local vocalist or even his equally talented wife, former professional singer and performer Veronica Fuchs.
Celebrating the Arts, Together
“Our community loves to do things in groups,” said Alonso, “because it makes the experience that much more special when they can share it with each other.” As a community of accomplished individuals, each resident brings their own experience to these shared moments, which strengthens the community’s ties to Aventura and encourages all residents to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of vibrant South Florida.