Art Deco Tour of Europe: Celebrating the Roaring Twenties
Art Deco, the glamorous design movement that defined the 1920s and 30s, left an indelible mark on European architecture and culture. This Art Deco tour of Europe will take you through the continent’s most stunning examples of this bold and luxurious style. From the birthplace of Art Deco in Paris to hidden gems in Prague and Barcelona, we’ll explore how this artistic movement shaped the face of Europe’s cities during the Roaring Twenties and beyond.
The Birth of Art Deco in Paris
Art Deco emerged onto the world stage at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. This revolutionary style combined geometric shapes, bold colors, and luxurious materials to create a look that was both modern and opulent.
Key features of Art Deco include:
- Symmetrical designs with zigzag and stepped forms
- Stylized sunbursts and fountain motifs
- Exotic materials like ebony, ivory, and shark skin
- Chrome, glass, and mirrors for shine and glamour
When in Paris, don’t miss these Art Deco landmarks:
- Théâtre des Champs-Élysées – One of the earliest examples of Art Deco architecture
- La Samaritaine – Recently renovated department store with stunning Art Deco interiors
- Palais de Chaillot – Imposing structure with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower
London’s Art Deco Renaissance
Across the Channel, London embraced Art Deco as a refreshing contrast to its traditional architecture. The style’s clean lines and modern sensibility appealed to a city eager to look towards the future.
Iconic Buildings
- Senate House: This towering university building looks like it could be straight out of Gotham City
- Battersea Power Station: Recently redeveloped, this former power plant is a prime example of industrial Art Deco
Underground Treasures
London’s tube stations received an Art Deco makeover in the 1920s and 30s. Look for:
- Arnos Grove station’s circular ticket hall
- The imposing facade of Southgate station
- Charles Holden’s modernist designs at Piccadilly Circus
Prague: The Golden City’s Deco Delights
Prague’s Art Deco scene is unique. It blends the international style with Czech Cubism to create something truly special.
Must-See Art Deco in Prague
- Adria Palace: A stunning example of Rondo-Cubist architecture
- Juliš House: Notice the playful sculptural elements on the facade
- Legiobank Building: Now home to the Archa Theatre, this building showcases the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco
Don’t forget to stop by some of Prague’s gorgeous Art Deco cafés, which once served as meeting places for the city’s intellectuals and artists. Café Imperial, with its elaborate ceramic tiling, is a particular standout.
Vienna’s Elegant Art Deco Scene
Vienna’s Art Deco movement grew out of the city’s rich Art Nouveau tradition, creating a unique blend of styles.
Highlights of Viennese Art Deco
- Hochhaus Herrengasse: Vienna’s first high-rise building, completed in 1932
- Konzerthaus: While primarily Art Nouveau, its interiors show strong Art Deco influence
- Secession Building: Though earlier than the Art Deco period, its geometric forms heavily influenced later Viennese Art Deco
Vienna’s Art Deco influence extended beyond architecture into fashion and jewelry. The Wiener Werkstätte, a production community of visual artists, created stunning Art Deco-inspired pieces that are still coveted by collectors today.
Rotterdam: Phoenix from the Ashes
Rotterdam’s story is one of rebirth. After much of the city center was destroyed in World War II, Art Deco played a significant role in its reconstruction.
Art Deco-Inspired Modern Architecture
- De Rotterdam: This modern complex by Rem Koolhaas echoes the stepped forms of Art Deco skyscrapers
- The Groothandelsgebouw: Built in the 1950s, this massive building incorporates Art Deco elements in its design
Rotterdam’s post-war architects took inspiration from Art Deco’s emphasis on functionality and clean lines, creating a city that feels both modern and connected to its pre-war past.
Milan: Where Fashion Meets Art Deco
In Milan, Art Deco found expression not just in architecture, but in the city’s thriving design and fashion scenes.
Key Art Deco Sites in Milan
- Palazzo dell’Arredamento: Now a bank, this building showcases typical Art Deco motifs
- Villa Necchi Campiglio: This luxury villa offers a glimpse into the life of Milan’s elite during the Art Deco period
Many of Milan’s fashion houses continue to draw inspiration from Art Deco designs. Look for geometric patterns and luxurious materials in the window displays along Via Montenapoleone.
Barcelona’s Art Deco Gems
While Barcelona is famous for Gaudí’s whimsical modernism, the city also boasts some impressive Art Deco architecture.
Hidden Art Deco Treasures
- Casa Planells: Designed by Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Gaudí, this building shows the transition from modernism to Art Deco
- Forn de Sant Jaume: This bakery’s facade is a beautiful example of Art Deco commercial architecture
Barcelona’s graphic design scene was also heavily influenced by Art Deco. Keep an eye out for vintage posters and advertisements that showcase the style’s bold colors and geometric forms.
Berlin: Bauhaus and Beyond
In Berlin, Art Deco intersected with the Bauhaus movement, creating a unique architectural landscape.
Notable Art Deco Sites in Berlin
- Bröhan Museum: Housed in a late Art Nouveau building, this museum has an extensive collection of Art Deco decorative arts
- Delphi Filmpalast: This beautifully preserved cinema offers a glimpse into Berlin’s golden age of film
Art Deco also left its mark on Berlin’s famous cabaret culture. The interiors of many historic venues, like the Wintergarten Varieté, still evoke the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
The Legacy of Art Deco in Modern Europe
Art Deco’s influence can still be felt in contemporary European design. Its emphasis on luxury materials and geometric forms continues to inspire architects and designers today.
Modern interpretations of Art Deco can be seen in:
- High-end hotel interiors
- Luxury fashion and jewelry design
- Graphic design and typography
As we conclude our Art Deco tour of Europe, it’s clear that the style’s appeal is timeless. From the grand movie palaces of Berlin to the elegant cafés of Prague, Art Deco continues to captivate us with its bold vision of modernity and luxury.