MIAMI – Through Sept. 9, Miami Dade College’s (MDC) School of Architecture will present Opa-locka: Mirage City, an exhibition curated by one of its professors, Jose Vazquez, at HistoryMiami, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami.

The Arabian-inspired architectural theme of Opa-locka, founded in the 1920s in an undeveloped area in the northeastern section of Miami-Dade County, continues to enthrall visitors. The city is a romanticized interpretation of Middle Eastern cultures popularized by Hollywood films and archeological discoveries. Drawing inspiration from Southern Spain to Persia, Opa-locka’s structures bring together an assortment of allusions to Islamic architecture.

The exhibition aims to shed light on the early history of the fabled city. MDC architecture students played a key role in preparing the displays by photographing and producing 3D and digital models of the city’s structures.

Opa-locka: Mirage City includes original documents, drawings and architectural models that reintroduce the unusual fabled vision, with an aim to rouse interest in the iconic architecture and encourage efforts to preserve the unique heritage.

For more information and ticket prices visit HistoryMiami.org or call 305-375-1492.