Local Leadership, National Legacy: Coral Gables Mayors Across a Century

Coral Gables, FL – As part of the nation's Semiquincentennial celebration, the City of Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Museum will present Local Leadership, National Legacy: Coral Gables Mayors Across a Century, an exhibition honoring the 25 individuals who have served as mayor of the City Beautiful. The exhibition opens to the public on Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m. at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave. A private reception for invited guests, former mayors, elected officials, and community leaders will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

"For 100 years, Coral Gables has benefited from visionary leaders who helped shape our community through periods of growth, challenges, and transformation," said Mayor Vince Lago. "This exhibit recognizes their service and reflects the connection between local public service and the broader American democratic tradition."

Part of Coral Gables' America250 initiative, the installation features restored portraits, biographical profiles and chronicles their leadership during Coral Gables' first century. The exhibit also includes a special dedication to city founder and visionary George E. Merrick.

Developed in partnership with the Coral Gables Museum, the project included the restoration and preservation of the city's mayoral portrait collection and the research and development of biographies documenting each mayor's contributions. With the opening of this exhibition, the names and biographies of Coral Gables’ mayors will be available on the city’s website for the first time, creating a permanent digital record of their service and accomplishments.

The city-led effort is part of a broader initiative to document and preserve the history of public service in Coral Gables and commemorate the nation's Semiquincentennial.

The exhibition will be on display at the Coral Gables Museum through August 16, 2026.