Opa-locka Preservation Association

Opa-locka Preservation Association Preserving the history, places, and stories of Opa-locka, Florida founded in 1926.

Our city’s history museum has a new way to experience Opa-locka’s incredible architectural story - an interactive kiosk!...
09/03/2026

Our city’s history museum has a new way to experience Opa-locka’s incredible architectural story - an interactive kiosk!

Ever wonder what Opa-locka’s fantastical 1920s buildings were originally supposed to look like? Or which of those ambitious designs were actually built?

Thanks to the University of Miami and The Villagers, visitors to the Opa-locka Museum of Art & History can now explore that history firsthand. Created by Jorge Suarez of IMAGOS Entertainment and curated by Opa-locka resident and historian Alex Van Mecl, the new architectural kiosk is the latest addition to our museum’s growing collection.

Explore dozens of original elevation drawings by Opa-locka’s chief architect, Bernhardt Muller, discover the stories behind our one-of-a-kind architecture, and see how the vision for our Arabian Nights-inspired city took shape nearly a century ago.

Come experience it this weekend during our First Saturday museum opening.

Saturday, September 5 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Historic Opa-locka Train Station
490 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-locka, FL
Free admission | No reservations required

Take your exploration of Opa-locka’s Arabian Nights fantasy city to a whole new level.

34 years ago, Hurricane Andrew devastated Homestead and much of southern Miami-Dade. In Opa-locka, however, many of our ...
08/24/2026

34 years ago, Hurricane Andrew devastated Homestead and much of southern Miami-Dade. In Opa-locka, however, many of our buildings emerged relatively unscathed, though even some of the city’s most iconic structures didn’t escape without a few scars.

Pictured here is Dan Wick, then Assistant Director of the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation (today Ten North Group Ten North Group ), standing beside a seven-foot brass finial. How did it end up on the ground?

Hurricane Andrew ripped the massive architectural ornament from the top of the historic Hurt Business Center at 490 Opa-locka Blvd.

More than three decades later, the finial has never returned to its place atop the building — a small but lasting reminder of the storm that reshaped South Florida.

Much like the devastating hurricane of 1926, Opa-locka was largely spared from Mother Nature’s worst. Perhaps our inland location was one of the most consequential choices our founders made nearly a century ago - helping create a community built not only to endure, but to survive.

It’s the place where the story of Opa-locka began.Now 100 years strong, this National Register landmark has found new li...
08/21/2026

It’s the place where the story of Opa-locka began.

Now 100 years strong, this National Register landmark has found new life as the home of the Opa-locka Museum of Art & History, preserving the people, places and stories that have shaped our city for a century.

A lot of history has passed through these doors. What’s your favorite memory of the Opa-locka Train Station?

On National Aviation Day, a blank wall just got the Max May treatment.Historic downtown Opa-locka has a colorful new add...
08/19/2026

On National Aviation Day, a blank wall just got the Max May treatment.

Historic downtown Opa-locka has a colorful new addition, and every detail tells a piece of our story.

Miami artist Max May brought Take Flight to life along Opa-locka Boulevard, drawing inspiration from the city’s iconic Moorish Revival architecture, its aviation roots and the warm, earthy palette that has defined Opa-locka for a century.

Look closely and you’ll spot familiar silhouettes from our historic architecture alongside a nod to city founder and aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss — and his famous June Bug taking flight above it all.

What did it take to transform this wall?

• 9 gallons of paint across multiple colors
• About four weeks from start to finish
• Brushes, rollers and an extendable ladder, with the mural painted by hand
• Several sketches and mockups before arriving at the final design
• Early mornings starting around 7–8 a.m. to beat the South Florida heat
• Inspiration from Opa-locka’s historic Moorish Revival buildings, including our iconic City Hall
• A tribute to our aviation heritage and Glenn Curtiss’ June Bug

The result is more than a mural. It’s a bright new piece of public art that turns our history into something you can experience right from the street.

And for a city celebrating 100 years, we can’t think of a better time to add a little more color to the story.

Opa-locka Boulevard | Historic Downtown Opa-locka
Artist: Max May
Mural: Take Flight

08/12/2026

The storybook begins with the people who write its chapters. As historic Opa-locka continues its 100th anniversary celebration, we’re proud to share this special feature from Local 10 (WPLG).

Beyond the domes, the airport, the flea markets, our industrial corridors and the architecture that has made us unlike any other city in America, Opa-locka is more than what any 21-minute television segment can capture.

Today, all three of our elementary schools are A-rated. We’re a community where young people and families can still find the opportunity to purchase their first home, with wide streets, generous lots and neighborhoods with room to grow.

Our historic preservation efforts are continuing to grow and expand, bringing renewed efforts to save our prized historic landmarks and restore them to their 1920s appearance.

We’re also a city of opportunity. Opa-locka is an economic engine with an impact that extends beyond our borders, supporting commerce, industry and jobs across Miami-Dade, Florida and the nation. There is ample room for thoughtful new development to take root here and create an impact that can last for generations.

We have arts, children’s programs, a museum, a heritage trail, local dive bars and restaurants.

The Opa-locka Community Redevelopment Agency is open for business and actively pursuing opportunities to attract investment, redevelop underutilized properties and strengthen our tax base. Across the city, our parks are being refreshed, our streets are being improved and new trees and landscaping are helping create a greener, more welcoming community.

Because the story of Opa-locka isn’t told by looking backward alone.

Our first 100 years gave us an extraordinary history. Our next chapter is about what we build from it.

We thank Janine Stanwood (Janine Stanwood )and the entire producing team at Local 10 (WPLG Local 10 ) for giving South Florida a wonderful introduction to our city, its people and its story.

Now, experience it for yourself. Watch the full segment through the link in our bio and discover more about historic Opa-locka at discoveropalocka.org.

100 years in, and our story is still being written.

08/10/2026

Tonight at 8 p.m. only on Local 10, Opa-locka shines in a first-ever centennial feature celebrating 100 years of our remarkable city.

One of our favorite TV personalities, Janine Stanwood, explored Opa-locka and met with the people who know its story best: its residents.

From a colorful past as America’s Arabian Nights destination city to the arrival of a Naval air station that transformed the function of this place and the lives of its people, Janine takes viewers on a 100-year journey through Opa-locka’s history — before opening a new chapter on what our historic city is today and where it’s going next.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. on Local 10 and enjoy two special centennial stories: first, a feature on our sister city, Miami Springs, followed by Opa-locka’s story.

A century in the making. Tonight, Opa-locka gets its moment to shine.

Opa-locka is officially 100 years old — there’s never been a better time to discover the story behind one of South Flori...
07/28/2026

Opa-locka is officially 100 years old — there’s never been a better time to discover the story behind one of South Florida’s most fascinating historic cities.

Step inside the Opa-locka Museum of Art & History, open this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and explore a century of history inside the city’s beautiful historic train station.

Since opening in December 2024, the museum has welcomed visitors from around the world eager to learn about Opa-locka’s remarkable past. Admission and parking are FREE, and the museum is conveniently located next to the city’s Tri-Rail station. Tri-Rail

Discover:
✨ The visionary Arabian Nights-inspired architecture that made Opa-locka unlike any other city in America.

✈️ Opa-locka’s vital role in World War II aviation and national defense.

🏭 How the city became an important center for manufacturing and industry.

🏛️ The people, places, and stories that shaped Opa-locka over the past 100 years.

While you’re here, weather permitting, stroll the Opa-locka Heritage Trail, beginning at 151 N. Perviz Avenue, where you’ll experience some of the nation’s most unique and impressive 1920s Moorish Revival architecture.

📍 Opa-locka Museum of Art & History
490 Ali Baba Avenue
🗓️ This Saturday
⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
🎟️ FREE Admission & Parking

Celebrate Opa-locka’s Centennial and spend your weekend exploring one of Florida’s most interesting historic destinations.

The museum is part of the Ten North Group Campus in the Opa-locka Arts District and was partially funded by the State of Florida Division of Historical Resources.

Few people have the opportunity to meet someone who was born during Opa-locka’s earliest years, but we were fortunate en...
07/20/2026

Few people have the opportunity to meet someone who was born during Opa-locka’s earliest years, but we were fortunate enough to do just that.

We were honored to sit down with Diane Ricke (center) at our Historic Opa-locka Train Station museum. Joined by her children (who were also born and raised in Opa-locka), Diane was born in 1934, when Opa-locka was still largely surrounded by farmland, much like the Redland area we know today. She grew up in one of the city’s original historic duplexes on Sesame Street, and her family also lived on Superior Street, east of NW 27th Avenue.

Diane shared remarkable firsthand memories of watching Opa-locka evolve from a quiet community into a bustling wartime hub. She recalled attending different eras of the famed Arabian Nights festivals, swimming in the city’s original 1926 public pool, and experiencing everyday life during a transformative period in Opa-locka’s history.

We’re proud to preserve Diane’s memories for future generations through the Opa-locka Oral History Project. Her interview will soon be available on YouTube, helping ensure these invaluable firsthand accounts remain part of our community’s story.

Do you know someone whose memories should be preserved as part of the Opa-locka Oral History Project? Send us a direct message or email us at [email protected].

WE HONOR THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN SERVICE TO OUR NATION. 🇺🇸Opa-locka’s history is deep...
05/25/2026

WE HONOR THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN SERVICE TO OUR NATION. 🇺🇸

Opa-locka’s history is deeply connected to the legacy of military service and aviation. During World War II, what is now the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport served as a major military installation for both the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, training thousands who answered the call to serve.

This 1958 newspaper clipping promoting Opa-locka’s Memorial Day Parade is a reminder of how this community has long come together to remember, reflect, and pay tribute to those who never returned home.

Today, we continue that tradition, honoring the fallen, recognizing the courage of our service members, and preserving the stories that shaped our city and our country.

May we never forget their sacrifice.

Happy birthday to Opa-locka’s founder, Glenn Curtiss, who would’ve been 148 years old today! To celebrate his birthday a...
05/21/2026

Happy birthday to Opa-locka’s founder, Glenn Curtiss, who would’ve been 148 years old today!

To celebrate his birthday and Opa-locka’s founding, city leaders and officials came together on this day in 1978 to commemorate his 100th birthday with the naming of the back courtyard of historic city hall as the Glenn H. Curtiss Memorial Garden.

Joining the occasion and pictured here is Opa-locka Mayor Rev. Willie L. Young, Vice Mayor Beulah Robbins, Comissioner Kyle E. Jones, Opa-locka Chamber President Rev. Thomas Cook, local historian and author Frank Fitzgerald-Bush, special guest Mrs. Glenn H. Curtiss, Jr., and Florida Secretary of State Bruce A. Smathers.

Also presented that day: an oil portrait of Curtiss presented by the Civil Air Patrol. Today, this painting is located somewhere in Opa-locka Government Center.

Unfortunately, the plaque has since gone missing. Perhaps the City will do these past leaders the honor of replacing it with a replica.

Happy birthday to a brilliant man. ✈️ 🕌

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Opa-Locka, FL
33054

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