Oakland's Paramount Theatre.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith. Courtesy Library of Congress
7 of the Most Impressive Art Deco Buildings Across the U.S.
The style—characterized by sleek geometric shapes and clean lines—celebrates its centennial this year and is once again enjoying a resurgence
This year marks the centennial of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, a months-long, wide-ranging exhibit that was held in Paris. Over 15,000 exhibitors hailing from 20 countries came together to showcase furniture, jewelry, glass, and other forms of decorative art, in what we know today as Art Deco; at the time, it was simply referred to as “modern.” The term “Art Deco” only came about in the late 1960s, during which there was a renewed interest in 1920s-era art, architecture, and fashion.
Many Art Deco-style structures were built in the 1920s and 1930s, with the design becoming more subdued and sleek throughout the Great Depression era. Once World War II began, Art Deco was replaced by functional, modern architecture without ornamentation.
Below, find some of the most impressive Art Deco buildings across the U.S., many of which are open to the public for tours.
Radio City in New York City. Photo: MSG Entertainment
Radio City Grand Foyer. Photo: MSG Entertainment
1. Radio City Music Hall | New York, New York
Designed by architect Edward Durell Stone and industrial designer Donald Deskey, Radio City Music Hall opened in 1932. The building’s facade is made of Indiana Limestone, while the interiors are Rococo style. Tours of the famed venue are offered daily, allowing guests to get a closer look at various spaces including the Great Stage, as well as the chance to meet a Rockette.
The Chrysler Building. Photo: Library of Congress
2. Chrysler Building | New York, New York
Designed by architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building is named for Walter Chrysler, an automotive industry executive who was one of the original tenants of the famed structure. The 1,046-foot-tall edifice is made of a steel frame and boasts approximately 50 metal ornaments, many of which are akin to gargoyles on Gothic cathedrals. The Chrysler Building has several unique design features; setbacks on a number of floors give it the look of a U-shaped palazzo from one side and a ziggurat from another. Higher up on the edifice is a Maltese cross-like shape, above the 60th floor.
Cathedral of Learning. Photo: Alex Mowrey. Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh
3. Cathedral of Learning | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Cathedral of Learning is a 42-story skyscraper located on the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus. At the time of writing, it is still the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere, and, at the time of its creation, it was the first educational skyscraper. It incorporates both late Gothic Revival and Art Deco architecture, thanks to architect Charles Klauder. Visitors can tour the building’s Nationality and Heritage Rooms at no cost.
Exterior detail of Oakland's Paramount Theatre. Photo: Courtesy of Library of Congress
4. Paramount Theatre | Oakland, California
Built as a movie palace, Oakland’s Paramount Theatre is a 3,040-seat concert venue designed by Timothy Pflueger of Miller and Pflueger. The theater division of Paramount Pictures, known as the Paramount Publix Corporation, started a program in 1925 that led to the creation of numerous opulent theaters, including the Paramount. Today, it is still used for concerts, comedy shows, et al. Visitors have the option to take either a public or private 90-minute tour.
The Griffith Observatory boasts an Art Deco and Greco-Roman exterior. Photo: Courtesy of the Griffith Observatory
5. Griffith Observatory | Los Angeles, California
Opened in 1935, the Griffith Observatory boasts an Art Deco and Greco-Roman exterior. The building’s design was done by architects John C. Austin and Frederic Morse Ashley, based on sketches by Russell W. Porter. At the time of its opening, the Griffth Observatory was only the third planetarium in the U.S.
Cincinnati Union Terminal. Photo: Courtesy of Library of Congress
6. Cincinnati Union Terminal | Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Union Terminal was designed by Fellheimer & Wagner and built between 1928 and 1933. The Rotunda of this historic train station contains a museum space, which was originally used as driveways for taxis and buses. Within this space are two industrial murals, both of considerable size, by artist Winold Reiss. To learn more about the structure’s construction, architecture, and art, visitors can embark on a 45-minute-long tour of Cincinnati Union Terminal.
5th Avenue Lobby. Photo: Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
The original plans. Photo: Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust.
7. Empire State Building | New York, New York
At 1,250 feet high, the Empire State Building is an Art Deco marvel, designed by Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon. At the time of its construction, it was the very first edifice in the world to have more than 100 floors. Today, visitors can make a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, which boasts sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan.
Cover: Oakland's Paramount Theatre.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith. Courtesy Library of Congress
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