When it comes to well-known architectural feats, the US is home to a handful of standouts.
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From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty to the Gateway Arch, many are well-known around the world. Even some of our public libraries are like works of art.
On a smaller scale, the US is also home to dozens of major projects from world-renowned architects. Feats like Fallingwater from Frank Lloyd Wright remain at the top of the list for tourists, along with rentals and designs by the famous architect.
But what about those lesser-known architectural standouts?
Given the sheer size of the US and the scope of its cultural influences, there are incredible projects in every single state, and you might not have heard of them before.
Want to take a closer look at some of the coolest architecture in the United States? Here are the top picks from across the country.
Thorncrown Chapel
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This quaint town is bursting with charm. Just outside the city limits and tucked into a mature and green forest awaits an awe-inspiring glass church. Constructed back in 1980, the church has 425 windows for a whopping total of over 6,000 square feet of glass.
Native flagstone was used throughout, which means that this utterly state-of-the-art and modern project somehow blends seamlessly in with the surrounding woodlands.
The Thorncrown Chapel is open to visitors throughout the year aside from in January and February, when it is open only for weddings and religious ceremonies.
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Glass House
New Canaan, Connecticut
This famous historic house museum was once the abode of famous architect Philip Johnson—you may have heard of him and his works before. This minimalist structure includes glass walls that frame the small 56×38-foot dwelling.
Just like Thorncrown Chapel, its glass elements are designed to encourage reflection. But it was completed back in 1949, which makes the Glass House one of the most innovative and impactful modern American projects from the last century.
The Glass House is open to visitors as a historic house museum.
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Bell Works
Holmdel Township, New Jersey
Bell Works is one of the US’s most impactful industrial research and development companies. In fact, this very structure is where Steven Chu discovered laser-cooling techniques that saw him nab a Nobel Prize.
The Bell Works Holmdel Complex is a fitting place for such a discovery. It was known as the ‘biggest mirror ever’ after its completion in 1962. Though stout, brutalist, and plain, this Eero Saarinen project leaves a strong impression on anyone who beholds it.
If you recognize the name Saarinen, that’s probably from his other major projects—which include the Gateway Arch and the TWA Hotel.
But when it comes to Bell Works, what’s inside matters most today. The interior is gargantuan in scale, creating a grand and empowering atmosphere. It’s also open public as a ‘metroburb‘. Sounds fun.
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Shangri La
Honolulu, Hawaii
Did you know that there’s an Islamic-style mansion located in the heart of Hawaii? And that it’s called Shangri-La?
This construction belonged to Doris Duke, a socialist and tobacco heiress, who was inspired to build a palace of her own thanks to her travels through Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, and India.
Her interest in Islamic artwork and architecture is immortalized at the Shangri La property, which was completed in 1938. For the next 60 years, Duke filled the grounds with works of fine art.
The grounds also include multiple houses and unique projects that are based on iconic landmarks like the Shalimar Gardens and Chehel Sotoun. I highly suggest exploring photos and galleries of the grounds, as they’re filled with stunning tilework, delightful coves, and other hidden treasures.
Shangri La is open to the public as The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. It regularly includes new exhibits from artists from around the world.
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