The Art Deco style was extremely popular in architecture and industrial design, as well as, interior decoration, sculpture, painting, fashion and cinematography, from the mid-1920's to1940. This world-wide popularity came about as a result of the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925, from which "Art Deco" got its name. Twenty countries participated in the exposition and more than a million visitors attended. Poland's Art Deco designs stood out in the event, as they did later on, at the New York World's Fair in the 1930's. The grand prize of NYC's World's Fair went to the Art Deco Mayakovskay metro station in Moscow.
Remaining examples of Art Deco architecture can be found in most countries throughout the world. Unfortunately, many Art Deco buildings in several European countries were destroyed during World War II.
The Art Deco style is often associated with film noir in cinematography and with the glamour of the 1920's. It experienced a resurgence in the 1970's and '80's and, due to the renewed interest during that time, many of the era's original buildings were restored and saved.
Not all, but most of the photos on this page were taken in Miami's South Beach, where so many Art Deco buildings have been preserved. The area's Art Deco Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and, in 2007, Ocean Drive was selected as one of the 10 most attractive streets in the U.S.
The Art Deco style is a favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed searching for them. Nancy |
