Published 13th Nov. 2025
Written by Hannah Whitehall
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First emerging in early 20th-century Paris, Art Deco made its world debut at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs, a showcase of the movement’s arts and architecture. Characterised by geometric shapes, streamlined forms, symmetry and verticality, the Art Deco style embodies machine-age modernity. As we mark a century of Art Deco’s enduring influence, it’s time to celebrate its global legacy. From New Zealand to Brazil, read on for our favourite examples of Art Deco around the world…
1. Paris, France
2. New York City, Miami, Detroit & Los Angeles, USA
3. Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo, Brazil
4. Mexico City, Mexico
5. Napier, New Zealand
6. Mumbai, India
France
Where else to kick off our celebration of all things Art Deco than Paris, the birthplace of the movement? Unsurprisingly, there’s no shortage of Art Deco delights in the city. Some buildings to look out for include the Theatre des Champs-Elysees (considered Paris’ first true Art Deco building), Le Grand Rex Cinema and the Palais de Chaillot. For a striking blend of Art Deco and Egyptian Revival – a movement inspired by a fascination with ancient Egypt – head to the opulent Louxor Cinema to marvel at mosaics and motifs.
Image by David Hendersen / The Image Bank Unreleased / Getty Images
USA
Next on our whistlestop tour of Art Deco around the world is the USA. First up, New York City. The Big Apple is home to some of the most famous examples of Art Deco architecture in the country (and the world), notably the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.
You can also find ample Art Deco gems further down the coast in Miami, in the palm-lined streets and pretty pastel hues of the famed South Beach Art Deco Historic District. In Detroit, admire Art Deco skyscrapers such as the Penobscot and Guardian buildings, or in sunny Los Angeles, marvel at the dreamy Deco theatres and the Eastern Columbia Building, featuring ornate gold leaf and a Zigzag Moderne façade. You’re spoilt for choice stateside.
Image by Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Moment / Getty Images
Brazil
When you think of Art Deco, this mighty South American nation might not be the first to spring to mind. But did you know that Rio de Janeiro is home to one of the most recognisable Art Deco statues on Earth? Completed in 1931, the colossal Christ the Redeemer is notable for its streamlined, geometric and curved design, and at 98ft tall, it’s the largest Art Deco statue in the world. A pretty cool claim to fame. Over in Sao Paulo, you can also find striking Art Deco landmarks across the city, such as the Farol Santander skyscraper and the former Bank of Sao Paulo building, which was listed as a historical monument in 2003.
Image by Bernd Jonkmanns / LAIF REA
Mexico
Beyond its historic sites, fascinating museums and vibrant street food scene, Mexico’s cosmopolitan capital is home to a diverse blend of architecture. But today we’re most interested in the Art Deco offerings – the result of a stylish building boom that coincided with the city’s modernisation in the early 20th century. Head to the leafy La Condesa neighbourhood for some of the finest examples, including the residential buildings of Edificio Basurto and Edificio San Martin. There are plenty of Deco delights in the historic centre, too. Marvel at the curved angles of Fronton Mexico, the vertical lines of Edificio La Nacional and the distinctly Deco interior of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Image by Piero Damiani / Moment / Getty Images
New Zealand
Not all Art Deco around the world was created equal. Take Napier, a city in New Zealand that was almost entirely rebuilt in the Art Deco style following an earthquake in 1931. Set in Hawke’s Bay, a lush region on the North Island best known for its wineries and beaches, Napier stands out for its stunning showcase of Deco designs, some of which incorporate Maori motifs. We don’t like to pick favourites, but some architectural highlights include the striking Daily Telegraph Building, the Masonic Hotel and the Napier Municipal Theatre. Keen to delve deeper into all things Art Deco? Join a guided walking tour or plan your visit during the immersive Art Deco Festival in February each year to take a trip back in time.
Image by John Elk / The Image Bank Unreleased / Getty Images
India
For those in the know (that’s us), Mumbai is another must-visit for Art Deco aficionados. Seek out the residential buildings along Marine Drive and Oval Maidan, the latter of which is notable for its juxtaposition of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles (and its UNESCO World Heritage site status). Mumbai’s marvels don’t stop there. Other noteworthy spots nearby include the iconic Eros, Liberty and Regal Cinemas, built in the 1930s to cater to the burgeoning popularity of cinema in the city.
Image by Worldwidephotoweb / iStock / Getty Images
Header image by Tono Balaguer / stock.adobe.com
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