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Art Nouveau buildings

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.

When we think of paintings byGustav KlimtorAlphonse Mucha, were touching on the Art Nouveau aesthetic.

Its a style influenced by nature, where stylized forms come together for bold, elaborate architecture.

Just what are the hallmarks of Art Nouveau architecture?

secession architecture otto wagner vienna

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Romas_Photo/Shutterstock

In fact, architects of the time embraced the possibilities brought on by the Industrial Revolution.

Not focused only on exterior architecture, Art Nouveau is a complete style that includes furnishings and interiors.

From silverware to wallpaper, artists were dedicated to creating a complete, immersive experience.

Otto Wagner - Secession Building Vienna

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

But just where did the name, Art Nouveau (New Art) come from?

We can thank the French, who named the style after a galleryMaison de lArt Nouveauthat featured the style.

Its also known asBelle Epoque, Modernisme, Jugendstil, and Liberty Style, depending on the country.

Majolika House

Exterior of Majolika House (Photo: Greymouser viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0 AT)

Scroll down to learn about 10 examples of this famous style.

Lets take a tour across Europe to see 10 examples of Art Nouveau architecture.

TheSecession Building, constructed in 1897, was a visual manifestation of their beliefs.

Majolika House Exterior

Exterior of Majolika House (Photo: Thomas Ledl viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)

The bang out of glazing process used to make these pottery pieces is calledmajolica.

In addition to their beautiful appearance, these tiles allow the building to be cleaned easily.

Built in 1909, theCat Housetakes its name from two cat sculptures that grace the roof.

Majolika House

Balcony of Majolika House (Photo: Haeferl viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0 AT)

Interestingly, the space was used as an army barracks during World War II by the Red Army.

Quite an interesting change of events for such a sumptuous interior!

It features an emerald green roof and numerous gold details.

Casa Battlo - Antoni Gaudi architecture

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Bozhena Melnyk/Shutterstock

Many of its interior decorative elements are inspired by Hindu, Mogul, and Islamic designs.

Filled with allegorical detail glorifying the city, the site is brimming with ornate finishes.

Designed in two styles by architect Hector Guimard, 86 still remain today.

Casa Battlo - Antoni Gaudi architecture

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Luciano Mortula – LGM/Shutterstock

Lets not forgetArt Deco.

Often confused with Art Nouveau, the two types of architecture are not interchangeable.

In fact, Art Deco style emerged in the years between the World Wars.

cat house riga art nouveau buildings

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Anna Lurye/Shutterstock

One of the first true, worldwide styles, examples can be found from New York to New Zealand.

Art Deco architectureis more streamlined than its predecessor, but with bold, geometric shapesthinkThe Great Gatsby.

The great skyscrapers in New York from the 1930s are all examples of Art Deco.

cat house latvia art nouveau architecture

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Zabotnova Inna/Shutterstock

These examples of Art Deco architecture demonstrate how it was a truly international style.

New York City, New York.

(Photo:Stock Photosfrom Drop of Light/Shutterstock)

Fairmont Peace Hotel.

Article image

Photo: Karl Stas viaWikimedia Commons(CC BY-SA 3.0)

(Photo:Stock Photosfrom GuoZhongHua/Shutterstock)

Eden Theater.

(Photo:Stock Photosfrom StockPhotosArt/Shutterstock)

Colony Hotel.

(Photo:Stock Photosfrom travelview/Shutterstock)

National Tobacco Company.

hotel tassel victor horta art nouveau architecture

Photo: Henry Townsend viaWikimedia Commons(Public domain)

Napier, New Zealand.

gresham palace interior art nouveau in budapest

Photo:Four Seasons Budapest

Gresham Palace - Budapest

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Lefteris Papaulakis/Shutterstock

Museum of Applied Arts

Exterior of the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest, Hungary (Photo: Yoav Dothan viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest

Interior of the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest, Hungary (Photo: Silas viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)

art nouveau architecture prague

Photo:Stock Photosfrom  SvetlanaSF/Shutterstock

Art Nouveau Decor

Photo:Stock Photosfrom hydra viridis/Shutterstock

Art nouveau architecture in brussels

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

ironwork in art nouveau architecture

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

Paris Metro Art Nouveau Entrances

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sorbis/Shutterstock

Paris Metro Art Nouveau Entrances

Photo: Magic solo4 viaWikimedia Commons(CC BY-SA 3.0)

Chrysler Building - Art Deco architecture

Chrysler Building. New York City, New York. 1930. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Drop of Light/Shutterstock)

Fairmont Peace Hotel - Shanghai - Art Deco Architecture

Fairmont Peace Hotel. Shanghai, China. 1956. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom GuoZhongHua/Shutterstock)

Eden Theater, Lisbon - Art Deco Architecture

Eden Theater. Lisbon, Portugal. 1931. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom StockPhotosArt/Shutterstock)

Colony Hotel, Miami Beach, Art Deco Architecture

Colony Hotel. Miami, Florida. 1935. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom travelview/Shutterstock)

Napier Tabacco Building - Art Deco Architecture

National Tobacco Company. Napier, New Zealand. 1933. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock)