While some Art Nouveau buildings are obvious, others are hidden gems. The Cauchie House, designed by French ceramicist Alexandre Bigot and the Castel Beranger in Paris are examples.
Prague’s Central Station is one of them. It has a stunning Art Nouveau hall where the ticket counters were. The winged-wheel sculpture was restored in 2021.
Ljubljana
At the turn of the 20th century, many European cities embraced a new artistic style called Art Nouveau or secession. It left its mark on art and architecture, especially in Ljubljana where the typical secession style is visible on numerous buildings. Inspired by scenes from nature, religion and folklore, the designs often feature bright colours and geometric shapes.
Take a stroll through the city centre to see the most impressive of these structures. Begin your tour at Miklosiceva street and work your way down to Preseren square. One of the most striking buildings in the area was designed by Plecnik, the National Library. From the dark entrance lobby, visitors gradually emerge into a larger light-filled hall on the first floor. This was meant to symbolize the enlightenment associated with a library.
The soaring Neboticnik skyscraper is another architectural marvel to check out. This Art Deco high-rise was once home to private residences, but three of its thirteen floors are now used for offices and cafes. The views of the city are breathtaking, and the swanky cafe is a great place to sit back with a Gibanica and some drinks.
Once a Yugoslav army barracks, Metelkova and Rog are now autonomous cultural centres with a raw, trendy appeal. Their graffiti-covered spaces host a range of art installations, alternative galleries and quirky nightclubs. Their contemporary creative energy is a reflection of the pulsing Ljubljana scene.
Visit the castle to learn more about Slovenia’s history and culture. Its tower and walls offer spectacular views of the green capital. The castle is also home to two museums and a series of art exhibitions, and hosts a variety of cultural events.
The Dragon Bridge is one of the most iconic images of Ljubljana. Adorned with dragon statues, this bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Make sure to bring a camera to capture this stunning structure! It’s easy to get to from the city centre on foot or by hopping on a bus. Visiting this architectural wonder will be an unforgettable experience you won’t forget soon!
Budapest
Budapest is a city filled with architectural wonders, from ancient forts and palaces to modern skyscrapers. Its historical landmarks stand as testaments to its rich past and serve as important cultural symbols. The city’s iconic structures captivate visitors and showcase the latest engineering achievements.
Budapest is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and the signature style can be seen all over the city. Its sinuous curves and asymmetrical shapes set it apart from the more mannered Neoclassical buildings of the time. Many of these buildings have been submitted to the UNESCO list. Some of them are even more impressive in person than they look on paper. Take the Museum of Applied Arts, for instance, which has an intricate green Zsolnay tile roof or the Lindenbaum House with its white tiered levels and ornate design.
The city’s historic landmarks include the 19th-century Chain Bridge that connects hilly Buda with flat Pest. The bridge is adorned with carved stone lions and wrought-iron chains, giving it its name. It was designed by the English engineer Adam Clark and was completed in 1849.
Another architectural marvel is the Gellert Baths, which have been a hot spot for travelers since their construction in the 1920s. The baths are famous for their thermal waters and are the largest in the country. The baths also feature several pools and are home to a unique sculptural work of art – a giant whale-shaped structure that serves as a water entrance.
Budapest has some very interesting contemporary buildings as well. Some of them have been built in the form of parks or are playful and abstract like the Vision Tower Office that features a white, lace-like shape with elegant rusty panels. Some innovative companies have had experimental offices built, which feature various combinations of glass and metal.
London
While many cities can boast of stunning yet isolated art nouveau structures, a few have managed to preserve the style as part of their dominant architectural heritage. The city of Prague is no exception to this rule. The Palac Lucerna (Lucerne Palace) is one of the most spectacular examples of the Art Nouveau style in the country. This elegant building was designed by Vacslav Havel, the grandfather of former Czech President Vaclav Havel, and completed in 1921. Today, the palace houses several entertainment venues and is a must-visit for architecture lovers.
The structure’s stunning façade is adorned with floral motifs and intricately sculpted ornaments, while the interior features a dazzling staircase. The building is also home to the Museum of Decorative Arts, which showcases the finest pieces of art created in the Art Nouveau style.
A fusion of styles, the Art Nouveau movement sought to break away from traditional architecture, and its flowing lines were meant to represent nature in motion. It was this fluidity that gave the style its name, which soon became known by a variety of names around Europe: Jugendstil, Modernism, and Secessionism, among others.
In the early 1900s, a group of reform-minded architects began to experiment with this new style. They used a variety of materials, such as local stone, a rocky, random-coursed rural aesthetic with wood trim, and a sculptural white stucco skin. In addition, they used a range of motifs, such as flora and fauna, and incorporated rail elements into their designs.
Throughout history, the architecture of the time has reflected the cultural and social concerns of a nation. The Art Nouveau movement has been embraced by a diverse array of people, from the avant-garde art community to the mainstream of modern society. The influence of the style has been felt in many aspects of life, from the way people dress to the cars they drive.
As a result of its global significance, London is considered the center of design today, where a wide spectrum of disciplines come together to explore urban formulas and preoccupations. This is why Syracuse University’s London Architecture program is based in the city, where students actively engage with its many design resources. The program offers an intentional synergy between design studio and survey field work, while lectures, critiques, and specialized excursions expand the curricular scope.
Tbilisi
In a city where bold Soviet-era feats of concrete coexist with Silk Road caravanserais and decadent European-style mansions, the old and the new merge to form a dazzling architectural wonder. A ramble through Tbilisi’s cobblestone streets brings to light a city of contrasts, where medieval monasteries coexist with ornate Art Nouveau masterpieces and Soviet Modernist structures.
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi is a harmoniously integrated city of ancient and modern. Tbilisi’s architecture reflects the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of its people, with a mosque, synagogue and church all residing side-by-side in the Old Town. The city’s most striking and impressive architectural marvel is the Bridge of Peace, which serves as more than a physical connection across the Kura River (Mtkvari). It is a symbol of Georgian unity and its forward-looking spirit.
This awe-inspiring modern bridge was designed by Michele De Lucchi and opened in 2010. Its sleek, bow-shaped structure raised eyebrows when it first appeared, but now it has been embraced as a symbol of Tbilisi’s urban renewal. At night, the bridge is adorned with thousands of LED lights and creates a mesmerizing display that illuminates the city’s skyline.
When you visit Tbilisi, be sure to stop by the Rike Park Concert Hall. This stunning building is a fine example of Art Nouveau, and its design was inspired by the coats of arms of different cities around Europe. The building also features a beautiful garden and a large lake, which is a great spot to relax and enjoy the view.
For a more modern architectural marvel, head to Vake Plaza, which is home to several major banks and offices. The project was built to address two pressing needs in Tbilisi: the city needed a high-rise building for its banking sector, and it wanted to attract foreign investors with a modern business center. The result is a stunning glass and steel complex that features offices, apartments and a large plaza for outdoor events.
Tbilisi’s architectural splendor is truly breathtaking, and it is easy to see why this stunning city has become a global architectural powerhouse. The city’s unique combination of traditional and modern elements makes it a must-see for any traveler who is looking for something truly special.
