The 11 Most Beautiful Art Deco Buildings Around the World

Maya Chawla

December 16, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

Chrysler Building (New York City, New York)

Empire State Building (New York City, New York)

Kavanagh Building (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Chrysler Building (New York City, New York)

Completed in 1930, the Chrysler Building reigns as one of the most iconic examples of Art Deco architecture. An essential part of Manhattan’s skyline, it is most recognizable for its ornate, tiered crown, constructed from stainless steel. Designed by Willian Van Alen, it was built for Walter P. Chrysler, founder and namesake of the eponymous automobile company, as the Chrysler Corporation headquarters. And its automotive roots are certainly not lost in its design: On the corners of the building’s 31st floor sit replicas of the Chrysler winged radiator caps. The building also briefly held the title of the tallest building in the world, until it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931.

Photo: David Henderson/Getty Images

Defined by sleek geometry and rich materials, the style has captivated architecture fans for nearly a century

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

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