12 Iconic Architectural Marvels Across the U.S. You Didn’t Know Existed
Countless architectural wonders in the United States tend to take the shine off everything else. These include landmarks each travel guide lists, from the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge. But beyond the architectural gems along these well-trodden paths are gems that perhaps even the most seasoned traveler is unaware of.
Now, these hidden wonders display a number of styles, from futuristic ones to great works of the past, each with its own tale and charm. The following pages will take you around the country to some lesser-known but equally spectacular structures meant to satisfy the history buff, art aficionado, or anybody who appreciates beautiful architecture.
A scene From the Dwan Light Sanctuary, New Mexico
The Dwan Light Sanctuary is a spiritual architecture tucked deep into the rolling hills of Montezuma, New Mexico. This serene space is designed in a circular shape with large prisms casting colorful rainbows through the walls, like stepping into a kaleidoscope. It’s a place to get lost and remain quiet where light transforms into beautiful, mesmerizing art.
The Salt Cathedral, Utah
The Salt Cathedral is carved deep within the Bonneville Salt Flats—a subterranean wonder. The salt sculptures and intricate carvings in this awe-inspiring space are used for meditation and small ceremonies. It truly feels like you are in a fairyland. There is a very ethereal vibe to it, with subtle lighting that just makes it that much more otherworldly.
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, California
The Salk Institute, perched on the cliffs of La Jolla, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture. The structure was designed by Louis Kahn and is a beautiful combination of concrete and open space, perfectly framing the Pacific Ocean.
Watts Towers, California
The Watts Towers in Los Angeles are a story of human determination and creativity. Over 33 years, Italian immigrant Simon Rodia built these 17 interconnected structures in steel, mortar, and an eclectic mix of found objects, all on his own. The outcome is a mosaic-covered marvel that breaks the rules of conventional architecture.
Winchester Mystery House, California
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, is a labyrinth of corridors and stairways leading nowhere, secret passages, and, yes, eerie. This sprawling mansion was inhabited by the cent percent woman, Sarah Winchester, heir of the Winchester rifle fortune. It reflects her obsession with continuous construction, which is believed to confuse the spirits haunting her.
Thorncrown Chapel, Arkansas
Thorncrown Chapel is a peace pipe and work of architectural genius in the Ozark Mountains. The E. Fay Jones-designed chapel is a solid of glass and wood that gracefully tucks into its forest surroundings. The chapel’s soaring windows and delicate wooden frame create a space that is both open and intimate, a space for quiet reflection.
House on the Rock, Wisconsin
The House on the Rock in Spring Green is an eclectic creation of quirky, astonishing collections, and odd architectural pieces. Alex Jordan Jr. built the house, which is known as the Infinity Room, a glass room hanging 218 feet over the forest floor with no support.
The Old Mill, Arkansas
The Old Mill in North Little Rock is a charming piece of early 20th-century craftsmanship that resembles a storybook scene. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and footbridges, this water-powered gristmill was designed by artist Dionicio Rodriguez. The mill became famous when it appeared in the opening scene of Gone with the Wind.
The Farnsworth House, Illinois
The Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, is a glass box in the woods, a minimalist’s dream. This transparent home was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living. It is an architectural meditation on simplicity, openness, and an intimate connection with nature.
The Sleeper House, Colorado
The futuristic home on a mountain outside Denver is known as the Sleeper House or the Sculptured House. Designed by architect Charles Deaton, it became famous when it appeared in Woody Allen’s film Sleeper. The house has a curvy spaceship design that offers a panoramic view of the mountains.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, Texas
The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum in Austin, Texas, is a bold statement of mid-century modern design. It’s a massive, cube-like white marble structure that houses a huge collection of documents from Johnson’s presidency. Strikingly simple and historically important, this is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The Whimzeyland, Florida
Whimzeyland can be found tucked away in Safety Harbor, Florida, and bears the tagline of ‘Colorful Explosion of Creativity.’ This is called the “Bowling Ball House,” courtesy of the whimsical over 500 bowling balls included in its eclectic decor. There is a mosaic, sculpture, and vibrant artwork on every inch of the property.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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