“Could that be an egg floating in mid-air?” you might wonder as we approach the whimsical Betsy Orb. You are not alone in your astonishment! Here in Miami, the Betsy Orb is a piece of public art that connects two historic hotels: The Betsy and the Carlton. This unique structure, shaped like a giant egg, is more than just a visual spectacle. The Betsy Orb, completed in 2016, was the brainchild of architect Allan Shulman. His challenge was to expand The Betsy Hotel while preserving the integrity of its original Florida Georgian architecture and the Art Deco style of the neighboring Carlton Hotel. The solution? A skybridge disguised as a futuristic orb! The orb’s exterior is clad with fiberglass panels, similar to those used in constructing radomes. These panels create the orb’s unique shape and give it a luminous quality, especially when illuminated at night. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a bright passageway. It offers glimpses of the city and a unique perspective of the two hotels it connects. The Betsy Orb is a testament to Miami’s ability to seamlessly blend history, art, and architecture.
Mindy Solomon Gallery
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “visual conversations”? Here at the Mindy Solomon