America’s Most Beautiful Buildings

If the USA is truly leading the way in anything today, it is in building design. We have some of the best architects in the world designing the most amazing, attractive and innovative buildings. Partly aesthetics and partly due to design, the following buildings represent some of the most beautiful buildings in the USA.

Illinois State Capitol

Built in the 1890s, this historic building in Springfield is a classic late 19^th century design and is actually the sixth building to have the name since the state joined the US earlier in that century. It’s the tallest non skyscraper Capitol anywhere in the country. In 2011, it underwent a thorough renovation of its interiors, bringing it back to its former glory. Visitors flock to see its exterior architecture and marvel at the art inside.

Grand Central Terminal

Dwarfed today by the skyscrapers that surround it, Grand Central Terminal or Grand Central Station holds a certain charm that still appeals to tourists to New York. Built in 1871, it follows many of the European traditions of railway station building – putting the visitor in mind of the historic cities of Royal Bath or Oxford, while keeping with the 19^th century American trend of mimicking Roman Imperial aesthetics.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the largest art museums in the country, its beauty and potential to inspire awe in the visitor makes it a global attraction. Following a global trend in the 19^th century to design on ancient Greek architecture, including pediments and an imposing entrance, this is one of the best examples of its kind anywhere in the world, and one of the largest. It’s collection of European and American art and sculpture make it one of the must-see attractions for the city.

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building, as seen from Empire State Building in June 2005

One of the iconic buildings of the New York skyline and typifying the Art Deco style of its age, Chrysler is second in fame only to the imposing Empire State Building (yet it is older than The Empire State Building by almost a year). Completed in 1930, it is one of the iconic buildings of a time when America was staring into The Great Depression. Nevertheless, it stood the test of time and today remains the tallest brick building in the world.

Radisson Blu Aqua

Arguably the country’s most attractive hotel, this skyscraper has a rippled effect on its outer shell created by the overhangs of each room. The building is surprisingly straight and the glass juxtaposes with the ripple effect very well to create a watery effect in honor of the nearby Lake Michigan.