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100 Years of (Abandoned) Art Deco: A Photographic Showcase of Forgotten Art Deco from Around the World
This year marks 100 years of Art Deco, a futuristic style born in the 1920s. Even today, this global movement remains an iconic aesthetic with its bold lines, geometric patterns, and streamlined symmetry. To celebrate, I have created a specially curated collection.
I am thrilled to share some of my favourite photographs taken over the years, showcasing beautiful abandoned Art Deco locations around the world. I have written a short article sharing a brief history of Art Deco, in addition to a breakdown of the key features.
Not interested in reading about the history and key features of Art Deco?
If you are just here to see photos of abandoned Art Deco places, skip straight to the photos!
A Brief History of Art Deco
Art Deco’s stylistic roots can be traced back to the late 1900s to early 1910s. Even before the First World War, there were signs a style revolution was beginning. The ornate organic forms of Art Nouveau were beginning to be replaced by more classic, symmetrical geometries and Cubist-inspired simple cut stone.
Art Deco emerged, in the true definition, in the aftermath of the First World War. After such dark times, people wanted something new and optimistic, a style that embraced the bright and shiny future ahead. Its formal debut came with the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) held in Paris on 28th April, 1925.
Four thousand people gathered at the exhibition, representing regions across France as well as invited nations. The movement represented a shift towards modernism. The ornate styles of the 19th century were shunned in favour of sleek lines, bold shapes, and industrial materials.
Art Deco embodies the optimism and energy of the Roaring Twenties. There are clear influences from Cubism and Futurism, in addition to ancient Egypt and Aztec design. It was the first truly international architectural style, spreading rapidly across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia during the 1920s and 1930s.
In the mid-1930s, Art Deco evolved into Streamline Moderne. Geometric design and sunbursts disappeared and were replaced by smoother lines and nautical influences.
Key Architectural Features of Art Deco
Art Deco architecture can be found in everything from industrial and municipal structures to automobiles and homes. Several defining features immediately identify the style:
- Geometric patterns. These patterns include zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts, and stepped forms. These are often found as dominant features on both façades and interiors.
- Stylised designs. These often feature abstract floral elements, like birds or sunrise themes. There are also exotic influences from ancient cultures, particularly Egyptian.
- Bold materials. These materials include concrete, and tiles provide the functional and structural elements. Chrome and stainless steel were used for decorative features.
- Vertical emphasis: Strong vertical lines create a soaring, streamlining effect. These are used to spectacular effect in lofty skyscrapers and impressive civic buildings.
- Symmetry. Buildings often display perfect symmetry, reflecting order and efficiency.
On with the show! – A photographic showcase of abandoned Art Deco
Please enjoy this photographic collection, hand-picked from my hoard of images of beautiful lost places all over the world.
Seen a photo that piques your interest? Click the linked title to open up a dedicated article, featuring a historic or story-driven write-up and a full gallery of photos.
1930s Vintage Vehicles
1937 Renault Celtaquatre, France
A striking Art Deco-style 1937 Renault Celtaquatre languishes inside a dusty garage, within the grounds of an abandoned chateau in France.
Vintage Seaside Trams, England
These Vintage Seaside Trams were iconic. They ferried Blackpool holidaymakers for 80 years, until the tram system was modernised in 2012.
Utilitarian Industrial Sites
Special K, Hungary
Special K is an abandoned Art Deco power station control room in Hungary. The oval room features an immense skylight, reminiscent of an all-seeing eye. |
Steampunk Commander
Steampunk Commander is a vintage powerplant control room in Belgium. The Art Deco control room walls are lined with blue control panels, and many dials.
Bureau Central, France
Bureau Central was the main offices for a family run steelworks. The impressive courtyard has an immense glass skylight supported by steel girders.
Cowdale Quarry, England
Cowdale Quarry, abandoned for 70 years, is now being reclaimed by the forest. The concrete ruins rise out of the overgrowth dramatically.
Industrial Dancefloor, Germany
Industrial Dancefloor is an abandoned Art Deco power house in Germany. The company originally made bicycles and typewriters. Later, they produced cars.
Kraftwerk P
Kraftwerk P is a disused coal-fired power station in Germany. Colourful Art Deco control room, pristine black gas turbine and labyrinth boiler house.
Quake Arena, Germany
The Quake Arena is an impressive warehouse in Germany. The four-storey building has a triangular shape, and an iconic large central atrium with skylight.
Centrale Idroelettrica Powerplant V, Italy
Centrale Idroelettrica is an abandoned hydroelectric power plant in Italy. Water rushes below the crumbling concrete floor, which is nearly 100 years old.
Chapelle des Mineurs
Chapelle Des Mineurs was built in the mid-1930’s and featuring unique Art Deco triangular windows. Photos from 2016 and 2018 show decline into decay.
Ark Synagogue
The Ark Synagogue is an abandoned 1930s synagogue, art deco in design with parquet flooring. It closed in the 2000s as the Jewish community declined.
Art Deco Cinemas & Theaters
Agecroft A Primary Substation, England
Agecroft A Primary Substation was part of a former power station, built in the 1920s. This small room is packed with Art Deco control panels.
Royalty Cinema, Harborne, England
The Royalty Cinema was opened in the 1930s. Grand and lavish Art Deco auditoriums were constructed in Britain at this time.
The Ritz Cinema, England
The glitz and glamour of the Ritz Cinema glory days are long gone; this once-impressive Art Deco building was abandoned many years ago. |
Purple Art Deco Cinema, England
This Purple Art Deco Cinema is hidden in plain sight on a busy city street in England. The last movie screening was 25 years ago.
Art Deco Cinema, England
This wonderful Art Deco Cinema was once a movie goers paradise. The once grand building is in ruins after nearly two decades of neglect.
Egyptian-style crematorium
1920s Crematorium, Romania
This disused 1920s Crematorium is entwined with 100 years of Romanian history, culture and politics. The design is Art Deco influenced. |
Functional Swimming Pool & Ornate Spa
Art Deco Swimming Pool Bath House, England
This 1920s Art Deco Swimming Pool & Bath House was where the “unwashed masses” came to socialise and bathe. It closed around 10 years ago.
Blau Kurhaus Blue Health Spa, Germany
Blau Kurhaus is an abandoned spa/leisure complex in Germany. The spa features natural decay, and was abandoned earlier than other areas.
Note – This is a modern building, in Art Deco style
Once-grand Educational Institutes
Val Benoit Institute of Chemistry and Metallurgy, Belgium
Val-Benoît Institute of Chemistry and Metallurgy, founded 1937, trained generations of Belgium’s scientists. It closed in the early 2000s. |
Trade School Auditorium, USA
This disused Trade School Auditorium was part of a vocational training centre. The dramatic Art Deco/Classical Revival building closed in the mid-2000s. |
What do you think?
What photograph caught your eye the most? How did this location make you feel? Do you have a question? Let me know by leaving a comment!
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I love Art Deco. I’m amazed that some of these buildings are still intact after years of abandonment, and seemingly in good shape.
I am also a big Art Deco fan as well Gary! Glad you enjoyed the photos <3