Despite the possibility of sensory overload, each piece retains its own worldly charm and appeal. What the Akibas have carefully crafted is what Charles calls “a center for art,” to put it simply. In Addition to Akiba’s main spaces, you will also find independent antique dealers that rent store space from the owner. The result is a gallery-turned-mall with each dealer showcasing his/her own unique
items. Every dealer has something different, which represents a part of their heritage to which people are drawn. With a diverse collection of art that includes paintings, furniture, marble, ceramic, jewelry, pottery, bronze and more; Akiba Antiques is one of a kind. Charles and Franceska Akiba leave little room for error. Both have been devoted to art, decoration, restoration and collection for as long as they can remember. In fact, this mutual passion provided the foundation for partnership in both marriage and business. Antiquing was a natural move, and as Charles says, “Antique is art. It’s finding the most beautiful pieces and bringing them to life.”
For years, the French duo has played a significant role in the South Florida art scene. They first opened shop in North Miami Beach on Biscayne Boulevard, but recently relocated to Dania Beach, historically known as the premier art and antique district of Florida. With a much bigger space and the right crowd in tow, Akiba Antiques offers more selection and better specialization. They hope to invigorate the South Florida art scene by changing the way people interact with art in this unique space. As you walk in and start to take in what’s both familiar and unknown, it’s hard not to be blown away. This passion and zeal for art has bred what is becoming a living museum of the rare and unique. The result is complete delight for antique aficionados searching for that one-of-a-kind certain something. Here you can feel free to handle that Royal Doulton porcelain or brush up against that exquisite tiffany’s lamp. No barriers, no velvet ropes here. You can get right into every nook, not to mention buy everything in sight. Forty years in the business makes the art world respond accordingly. Gallery owners and curators have come to Charles for his discerning taste on many occasions. Spend a few moments talking to the Akibas and it’s hard to ignore that twinkle in their eyes as they discuss their life’s work. Poised to take a leading step in South Florida’s cultural renaissance, the Akibas’ vision remains steadfast and growing. A fervent commitment to culture and art education continues to fan the magic of possibility that unveils itself at every step of the way.
