10 Stunning Art Deco Architectural Masterpieces Worldwide

It’s no surprise that the art deco movement was born around the conclusion of World War I. It symbolized hope and marked a new beginning that diverged from the past’s opulent and overly ornate designs. Instead, it emphasized a more straightforward, functional, and modern-day aesthetic. The trend emerged during the 1925 world’s fair in Paris, where exhibitors were challenged to build their pavilions in a novel style devoid of historical references. Lavish religious and floral motifs gave way to stylized shapes, geometric elements, and now-iconic chevron, sunburst, and zigzag patterns.

This design aesthetic gained significant traction primarily in the United States, particularly during a time of economic and real estate booms. Architects were inspired by the art deco movement’s understated sense of grandeur. Consequently, art deco buildings began to materialize across the nation and around the globe, irrevocably changing city skylines.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of remarkable art deco masterpieces that should be experienced in person at least once in your life.

Chrysler Building, New York City

This unmistakable emblem of art deco features seven terraced arches adorned with vaulted windows, a spire, steel eagle heads, and geometric motifs. Conceived in 1928 by Brooklyn-born architect William Van Alen, the building was constructed in record time, with contractors averaging four stories per week.

The Chrysler Building was the tallest structure in the world upon its completion and it remains the tallest brick building today.

Majorelle Garden, Morocco

The renowned 12-acre garden in the heart of Marrakech showcases one of the most striking examples of art deco architecture. Painted in a vivid cobalt blue, now famously called “Majorelle blue,” the art deco studio of expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle was built in 1931. It features extended arches, angular shapes, and a cantilevered roof over one of the terraces, highlighting its geometric design led by architect Paul Sinoir.

Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

Famed for its panoramic views over Los Angeles and live planetarium shows, the Griffith Observatory is also celebrated as one of the finest examples of art deco architecture.

Completed in 1935 by the architect behind LA’s City Hall, John C. Austin, and Frederick Ashley, the building incorporates Greek, Roman, and Moorish influences alongside a beaux-arts layout. Its most notable art deco features include intricate iron grill windows, geometric shapes, and elaborate metalwork on the front doors.

Palais de Chaillot, Paris

Overlooking the Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Palais de Chaillot is among the most visited landmarks in Paris. Built for the 1937 International Exhibition of “Arts and Techniques Applied to Modern Life,”it stands as an exceptional example of art deco architecture in the City of Light, housing the largest museum dedicated to architecture and building design: Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine.

The building features two curved neoclassical wings that flank the main art deco structure, which showcases elongated metal-sash windows, bas-reliefs, and gilded accents.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Brussels

Art deco buildings are typically not religiously affiliated; however, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels stands out as a remarkable example of this architectural movement. Completing the basilica took several decades (the first stone was laid in 1905, and it opened its doors in 1971), but the results were undeniably worthwhile.

Perched on a hill in the western part of the Belgian capital, the provincial basilica, ranking as the world’s fifth largest church, features a striking green copper dome flanked by two towers with tiered architecture, modern stained glass windows, a prominent pediment, and elegant arches. Inside, art deco style prevails, adorned with abundant marble and geometric motifs.

Empire State Building, New York City

The Empire State Building, a prominent art deco icon, is located in Manhattan and was completed in just over a year. This 102-story skyscraper, designed by architects Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon, features a steel frame clad in granite and limestone, with aluminum accents contributing to its gilded effect. Its streamlined façade, characterized by recessed windows, a stepped shape, and its 200-foot crowning spire, has made it the most photographed building in the world.

Fair Park, Dallas

Home to one of the nation’s largest collections of art deco structures, Dallas’ Fair Park boasts exceptional art deco façades. The park features The Esplanade, which includes a 700-foot pool flanked by prominent art deco buildings, including the Hall of State. Designed by George Dahl specifically for the 1936 Texas centennial, this 700-foot stretch perfectly exemplifies the movement.

Eastern Columbia Building, Los Angeles

This architectural gem represents a stunning example of art deco design. Designed by Claud Beelman in 1930, the façade is adorned with striking teal terra cotta and gold leaf tiles, crowned by a clock tower. Features such as windows arranged in sunken vertical patterns, fluted piers, bronze spandrels, and a distinct crown-like roofline embody classic art deco elements.

Palais de la Mediterranée, Nice

Dominating the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice’s picturesque boulevard overlooking the Mediterranean, the awe-inspiring Palais de la Mediterranée truly stands out. While the French Riviera city boasts around 600 art deco structures, the current Hyatt Regency hotel is distinguished by its grandeur. Modeled after Paris’ Opéra Garnier, its white-washed façade features impressive pediments, magnificent bas-reliefs dedicated to the Greek god Poseidon, along with impressive arcades and colonnades.

Paramount Theater, Oakland, CA

Timothy Pflueger, a prominent San Francisco Bay Area architect and designer of The Cirque Room inside the Fairmont San Francisco, also crafted one of America’s most exquisite theaters in 1931. The theater’s sign slices through the structure’s 100-foot mosaic façade, depicting a man and woman manipulating puppets, bordered by rows of chevron-shaped maroon tiles—a hallmark of art deco artistry.