13 Iconic U.S. Landmarks Every Design Enthusiast Needs to Visit ASAP
For the design lover, America is a playground of jaw-dropping skyscrapers and historic architectural gems. With its landmarks, the country writes itself into history with the most eye-catching display of art, culture, and innovation. Each landmark tells a story of its own.
Here are 13 landmarks that will excite your imagination, inspire you, and leave you wanting more.
The Guggenheim Museum – New York, New York
The Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is as much a piece of art as the works it houses. Opened in 1959, this iconic spiral structure stands in sharp contrast to Manhattan’s boxy skyline with its smooth curves and organic form; one that makes it a modern architectural masterpiece. To many visitors, walking through its halls is a dream-like experience.
Fallingwater – Mill Run, Pennsylvania
Also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is an attempt to achieve harmony between architecture and nature. This house, built over a waterfall, was constructed in the 1930s using natural stone and wood materials to become one with the landscape. The cantilevered terraces seemingly float over the water giving an air of serenity.
The Chrysler Building – New York, New York
The Chrysler Building is a shining art-deco gem. Built in 1930, it only lasted as the tallest building in the U.S. for a brief time before the Empire State Building took over. It’s not its height that makes the Chrysler Building stand out; it’s the gleaming spire of stainless steel and sunburst patterns, as well as gargoyles shaped after Chrysler car hood ornaments.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles, California
The Walt Disney Concert Hall was designed by the legendary Frank Gehry in 2003. Its dynamic form is a testament to Gehry’s love for unconventional shapes and materials. Not only is the hall a feast for the eyes, but its famous acoustic qualities are impressive to witness as every note rings out like crystal. The building embodies the spirit of creativity that defines Los Angeles.
The Gateway Arch – St. Louis, Missouri
The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River. It symbolizes westward expansion. The stainless steel arch was designed by Finnish-American architect, Eero Saarinen, in 1947 and completed in 1965. Its simple yet elegant shape births a sense of awe in the viewer. Enjoy panoramic views on the tram ride where you will better observe the symmetry of this structure.
The Farnsworth House – Plano, Illinois
Minimalist perfection is taught by the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. This glass and steel structure was built in 1951 and sits lightly on the landscape. The house seemingly floats above land with an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, eliminating any barriers between indoor and outdoor space and inviting nature into every corner of the house. The house, also called “one of the most significant examples of modernist domestic architecture,” according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation is visited by people across the world who appreciate its clean lines and elegant simplicity.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Washington, District of Columbia
The simplest designs are sometimes the most powerful. An excellent example is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial designed by Maya Lin (1982). A black granite wall with more than 58,000 names of fallen soldiers cuts into the earth as if to leave a scar on the ground and in the minds of future generations. Initially controversial, Lin’s design is now one of the most visited and revered memorials in the country.
The Seattle Central Library – Seattle, Washington
The Seattle Central Library is a stunning architectural wonder representing a hip, urban square. This futuristic building opened in 2004 and has a glass and steel façade resembling something out of a sci-fi movie. The bold design on the inside features a bright red “book spiral” and color-coded floors. It was praised by the American Institute of Architects for its innovative approach to public space and its creativity and functionality.
The Hearst Castle – San Simeon, California
Architect Julia Morgan designed the Hearst Castle for newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, and combined the Mediterranean Revival style with the style used in European castles and churches. What you get is a jaw-dropping blend of lavish interiors, ornate gardens, and panoramic ocean views. As Morgan herself stated, “Architecture is a visual art and the buildings speak for themselves.”
The High Line – New York, New York
The High Line is a public park built on a former elevated railway and gives urban design a green twist. Opened in 2009, the park soon became one of New York’s most beloved spaces. Wild gardens, contemporary art installations, and sleek seating areas mix in with the remains of the city’s industrial past in the linear park.
The Salk Institute – La Jolla, California
The Salk is a temple of modern scientific inspiration. The symmetrical design of the institute, with two stark concrete buildings flanking a central courtyard to the Pacific Ocean, was built in the 1960s. The interplay of light and shadow creates a calming atmosphere that has inspired scientists and artists alike.
The TWA Flight Center – New York, New York
The Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center is the golden gate of air travel located at JFK Airport. This swooping, bird-like structure opened in 1962 and captures the mid-century modern design of its time. The flowing lines and vast windows give the impression of motion. In 2019, the building was reborn as the TWA Hotel after years of closure, so visitors can enjoy the retro charm and architectural brilliance of the building again.
The Hoover Dam – Boulder City, Nevada
The Hoover Dam is one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century; it is engineering with Art Deco flair. Built in 1936 during the Great Depression, the dam tamed the Colorado River and brought jobs and power to the Southwest. Its functional design coupled with terrazzo flooring and stylized sculptures make it an example of functional design with flair.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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