Art Deco, the bold and glamorous style that took the 1920s and 1930s by storm, left
its mark on cities all across America.
From soaring skyscrapers to charming movie theaters, these 20 cities showcase the
best of Art Deco’s sleek lines, geometric patterns, and a touch of luxury.
New York City, New York
The Big Apple is practically an Art Deco playground, with the Chrysler Building stealing the show. Walking through Midtown Manhattan feels like stepping back in time, with the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the New Yorker Hotel serving up some serious 1930s glam.
Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is a pastel-colored dream, boasting the
world’s largest collection of Art Deco buildings. Ocean Drive’s vibrant hotels, with
their porthole windows and nautical vibes, are the poster children for the playful
‘Tropical Deco’ style.
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Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City doesn’t mess around when it comes to Art Deco, with stunners like
the Chicago Board of Trade Building and the Carbide & Carbon Building. These
towers, with their sleek lines and fancy materials, show off Art Deco’s knack for
looking powerful and progressive.
Los Angeles, California
Tinseltown’s got a thing for Art Deco, as seen in icons like the Eastern Columbia
Building and the Wiltern Theatre. The Bullocks Wilshire, once a swanky department
store and now a law school library, proves that good style never goes out of fashion.
Detroit, Michigan
The Motor City’s Art Deco roots run deep, with the Guardian Building—nicknamed
the ‘Cathedral of Finance’ – leading the pack. The Fisher Building and the Penobscot
Building round out Detroit’s impressive Art Deco skyline, their details telling tales of
the city’s glory days.
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Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa might seem like an odd spot for Art Deco, but its 1920s oil boom left behind
some architectural gems. The Boston Avenue Methodist Church, with its cool zigzags and setbacks, is considered one of the best examples of churchy Art Deco in the country.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo’s collection of Art Deco buildings, including the eye-catching City Hall, shows
how the style could mix modern vibes with local flair. The Buffalo Central Terminal,
though a bit worse for wear, stands as a haunting reminder of the city’s Art Deco
heyday.
San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay boasts Art Deco treasures like the Pacific Telephone Building
(now 140 New Montgomery) and the Maritime Museum in Aquatic Park. Even the
Golden Gate Bridge, while not strictly Art Deco, borrowed some of the style’s elegant
touches for its towers and lights.
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Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, with its massive half-dome and colorful mosaics, shows
how Art Deco could make even train stations look fancy. The Carew Tower, another
Art Deco gem, offers killer views of the city from its observation deck.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital might be known for its neoclassical look, but it’s got Art Deco
beauties like the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Federal Triangle complex. The
Uptown Theater in Cleveland Park stands out as a neighborhood favorite; its neon
sign is a blast from the 1930s past.
Seattle, Washington
The Emerald City’s Art Deco legacy includes the iconic Smith Tower and the Seattle
Tower, both showing off the style’s love for reaching for the sky. The former Paramount Theatre, now a performing arts center, dazzles with its fancy details inside and out.
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Houston, Texas
Houston’s Art Deco buildings, like the stunning Gulf Building (now the JPMorgan
Chase Building), reflect the city’s oil-fueled growth spurt. The River Oaks Theatre,
though facing an uncertain future, remains a beloved example of neighborhood Art
Deco charm.
Asheville, North Carolina
This mountain town packs a surprising Art Deco punch, with City Hall and the S&W Cafeteria building standing out from the crowd. The Grove Arcade, a mixed-use building with intricate details, shows how versatile Art Deco could be.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love’s Art Deco lineup includes the sleek PSFS Building, one
of the first International Style skyscrapers in the country. The Ardmore Theatre and
the Grand Court in the John Wanamaker building offer more ornate takes on the
style.
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St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis brings the Art Deco heat with the Continental Building and the Missouri
Theatre Building. The Pet Milk Building, with its stylized sculptures, shows how even
industrial buildings could get the Art Deco treatment.
Oakland, California
Often overshadowed by San Francisco, Oakland’s got its own Art Deco flair with
landmarks like the Paramount Theatre, a National Historic Landmark. The Oakland
Floral Depot building showcases the style’s more whimsical side, proving Art Deco
isn’t all business.
Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City’s Art Deco scene includes the Cruise Room in the Oxford Hotel, a
stunning example of the style’s interior design chops. The Mayan Theatre, with its
pre-Columbian-inspired look, shows how Art Deco could mix it up with different
cultural influences.
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Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City’s Power and Light Building, with its glowing crown, stands as an Art
Deco beacon in the Midwest. The Municipal Auditorium and the Kansas City City
Hall further cement the city’s status as an unexpected Art Deco hotspot.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha’s Durham Museum, housed in the old Union Station, lets visitors experience
the glory days of Art Deco train travel. The Joslyn Art Museum, decked out in pink
Georgia marble, shows how Art Deco could create truly impressive public buildings.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Luhrs Tower and the Orpheum Theatre bring Art Deco flair to the Valley of the
Sun. The Arizona Biltmore, while not strictly Art Deco, borrows from the style in its
‘Aztec Room’ and overall design, showing Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence on the
movement.
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New York’s Art Deco – Where Beauty Meets Functionality
From New York’s skyscrapers to Miami’s beachfront hotels, Art Deco architecture
continues to turn heads and spark imaginations.
As cities keep evolving, maybe it’s worth asking: what can we learn from Art Deco’s
mix of beauty and function to create urban spaces that look good and work well for
years to come?
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