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Freedom Tower, Miami — photographed from across Biscayne Boulevard by Ana Bikic. This landmark, home to the New World Mural 1513, stands as a symbol of Florida’s heritage and the 500-year legacy of Ponce de León’s discovery.
Freedom Tower Mural Restoration, 2014 — photographed by Ana Bikic. This photo documents the restoration of the New World Mural 1513, carried out after the Queen of Spain’s visit celebrating the 500-year anniversary of Ponce de León’s landing in Florida.
The New World Mural 1513
The New World Mural 1513
THE FINAL FRONT PAGE (COPY THIS ONE ONLY)
THE FINAL FRONT PAGE (COPY THIS ONE ONLY)
The New World Mural 1513 — Official Introduction
The New World Mural 1513 — Official Introduction
The New World Mural 1513, a monumental 44-foot by 20-foot historical painting on two joined canvases, stands in the Grand Hall of the Freedom Tower in Miami. Depicting the moment of first documented contact between Juan Ponce de León and the Tequesta Chief of Miami, the mural was created in 1987–1988 by the six-member fine-art team known as The Miami Artisans: Wade S. Foy, John Conroy, William Mark Coulthard,, Jerome Villa Bergsen, Ana Bikic, and Phyllis Shaw. Designed, researched, drafted, lettered, and painted by this team, the work is a fully original, copyrighted creation representing a foundational moment in Florida and United States history.
What the Mural Represents
What the Mural Represents
The mural portrays the 1513 expedition of Ponce de León, the first European explorer to make documented contact with the land that would become the United States of America. During this voyage, he entered Biscayne Bay, named Florida, recorded its geography, and encountered the Tequesta, the Indigenous inhabitants of the Miami region. Through symbolic imagery, maritime elements, and extensive historical research, the mural connects Florida’s earliest written history to the cultural origins of Miami.
Why This Mural Exists
Why This Mural Exists
A different mural decorated the Grand Hall in the 1920s, but it deteriorated and only fragments remained by the 1980s. Because it could not be restored, a new mural was commissioned during the building’s restoration. The New World Mural 1513 was created as a new, fully original artwork, restoring the historical narrative of early Florida with accuracy and artistic integrity. The project was commissioned under R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A., with architect Jason Vogel coordinating installation.
In loving memory of Wade S. Foy, The founder of the Miami Artisans.
Purpose of This Page
Purpose of This Page
This page provides a clear and reliable reference for understanding the mural’s authorship, meaning, artistic process, and historical context. It offers transparency for researchers, visitors, institutions, educators, and the general public.
Explore the Mural’s History
Explore the Mural’s History
• The Mural — Artistic Process (1987–88)
• Ponce de León — The 1513 Voyage
• The Tequesta — First People of Miami
• Early Florida Maps & Records
• Freedom Tower — Architecture & Legacy
• Artists & Biographies
• Miami — History & Culture
Contact
Contact
freedomtowermiami@gmail.com
You can visit The New Mural 1513 in Downtown Miami
You can visit The New Mural 1513 in Downtown Miami
The New World mural 1513, Painted by Miami Artisans 1988 is hanging in the maisenate room on the Freedom Tower, in Downtown Miami and MDC Museum of Art + Design
The New World mural 1513, Painted by Miami Artisans 1988 is hanging in the maisenate room on the Freedom Tower, in Downtown Miami and MDC Museum of Art + Design
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