Top 4 Art Deco Destinations in Europe

Architecture in Valencia, Span.

Art Deco is an iconic architectural feature in cities and towns across the world and typically dates from the 1920's and 30's. The style typifies the glamour of the Roaring 1920's and the straight lines depict progress, entertainment and belief in technology. Europe has some of the best Art Deco architecture where city centers have iconic features. Here's a guide to top Art Deco destinations in Europe.

1. Arras, France

In World War One the historic center of Arras was destroyed in the battles fought in and around the town. During the post-war rebuild, the shopping areas and other parts of the city were given an Art Deco makeover. Today a walk in the area around Rue Gambetta, Rue de Bethune, Rue Saint-Albert and the Place du Théâtre has lots of examples of architectural features of the Art Deco era. In Arras even the churches got in on the act with the Cathedral having distinctive fixtures and fittings, and the lights in the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

2. Valencia, Spain

Although Valencia did not experience damage from World War One like other European cities, it underwent an economic boom in the early 1930's. Local architect Joan Guardiola designed many of the buildings in the city center using Art Deco. Today, these features can be seen in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and along Calle Maria Cristina. The Casa Judia with its glamorous facade is one of the best known Art Deco features in the city.

 

3. London, England

Many of London's buildings epitomize the Art Deco era and the Roaring Twenties. Some of the best known features are in the top luxury hotels including Claridges and the Savoy where Basil Ionides has been instrumental in the design. Even today in the Savoy a table is never set for 13 guests but includes Kaspar, an art deco cat designed by Ionides for good luck. Freemason's Hall in Central London has exquisite Art Deco architecture designed by Henry Victor Ashley and F. Winton Newman inside the building. Other examples include Battersea Power Station, Senate House in the Bloomsbury District, and the Oxo Tower.

 

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is full of Art Deco buildings and the city has magnificent examples of architecture that scream 1920's. The Teatro Eden designed by Carlos Florêncio Dias and Cassiano Branco is now the Orion Eden Hotel and one of the best examples of Art Deco in the city. The Cais Do Sodre Station built in 1928 is another iconic building in Lisbon. The piano keyboard marble floor, geometric features, and checkered stained glass are a must see for any Art Deco fan.
 

Head to these European cities to experience the glamour of Art Deco architecture from a captivating and timeless era.