What was art deco? Why was it so popular in the 20th century? How did it come about? The answers to these questions, and more, are answered in this article that explores the history of art deco for teachers.

Art Deco, named after the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, is believed by many people to have begun as an artistic style of its own. However, it actually grew out of another period entirely: the Industrial Revolution.

It is considered to be the last major movement in art history before the beginning of World War II and the subsequent spread of global conflict that pervaded into every aspect of life (including art) through the Cold War years, leaving little room for new artistic innovation.

This is fascinating! Let's get started!

What is Art Deco?

Art Deco is an art movement that began in France during World War I, flourished through America’s 1920s and 1930s, and faded as a popular style by 1940. The name of Art Deco comes from an exhibit at Paris’ 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes; it referred to a group of architects who gathered to show their ideas for modernizing buildings in Paris. Art Deco building structures still remain today in major cities such as New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Some can be visited online or even toured if you are fortunate enough to live nearby! (But, if not don't fret! As you will see in the video, even small southern towns have remnants of the Art Deco movement sprinkled throughout!)

How did Art Deco change architecture?

Art Deco, with its focus on architecture and design, has historically been well-accepted. Unlike many other forms of art, for example theater or literature, buildings do not rely as heavily on interpretation. When looking at a building that is Art Deco-inspired or has actually been designed in an Art Deco style, one can instantly appreciate what it represents and how it makes them feel. Plus, the pure functionality of it being an actual building means one doesn't have to even appreciate or understand it to benefit from it.

Art Deco became an incredibly popular architectural style during what is known as The Roaring Twenties. This was a period of incredible economic growth, when many architects were eager to develop bold and innovative forms of design. It was a pushback to the more traditional architecture styles (think: Classical, Gothic, Victorian, Greek Revival, Colonial, etc.). In fact, many people cite Art Deco’s popularity as a direct response to World War I. People were feeling more progressive than ever before, ready for new ideas; Art Deco reflected that mindset in every way.

The Art Deco movement was very much a nod to progress through wealth, industrialization, and decadence.

How to you know if something is Art Deco?

The term Art Deco was coined in 1925 by French art dealer and author, Bénédicte Huysmans. Art Deco is categorized as an Avant-Garde movement of decoration and design from 1920–1940 that combines geometric shapes with applied materials like glass, plastic, and steel to make objects more functional.

Here's what to look for in identifying Art Deco in architecture:

1. Geometrical Aspects

2. Strong Symmetry

3. Chinese, Ancient Egyptian, and Japanese influences

4. Design Elements that give a nod to industrialization

5. Vertical design elements that draw the eye upward

This is the short list, be sure to check out the video for more.

Famous Examples of Art Deco

The best example of an Art Deco-inspired building that people may be familiar with is probably New York City’s Chrysler Building. This iconic Art Deco building stands at 1,048 feet tall and took less than a year to construct. The building was designed by William Van Alen, who had previously worked as an apprentice in Gustav Eiffel’s workshop during construction of his famous Eiffel Tower.

The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, is another of its most recognizable examples; it would go on to become an iconic structure and one of New York City’s top tourist attractions. In New York City, art deco buildings can be found scattered throughout Midtown and lower Manhattan—and well beyond.

Another important Art Deco structure (and still one of my favorites!) is Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. It has been preserved since being built back in 1914 and remains one of few Art Deco buildings still actively used for its original purpose today.

Art Deco was also quite popular among movie theaters during its heyday: some famous examples include New York’s Radio City Music Hall, which has appeared in countless films over the years; and Paris’ iconic Grand Rex movie theater that opened its doors in 1939.

The final Art Deco structure we’ll mention is Detroit’s Penobscot Building, which was built in 1928. It still remains one of America’s tallest buildings and has even inspired other famous structures like Chicago’s neo-Art Deco Sears Tower.

Not to be forgotten are residential examples of Art Deco architecture, like Gracie Mansion in New York City. The official residence of New York’s Mayor was constructed in 1799 but renovated in 1929 by famous architect and designer Armand Rogen. This leads us to my very favorite place to see the beauty and decadence of the Art Deco movement: Miami!

Art Deco in Miami

Miami’s Art Deco District, is a National Historic Landmark. The district encompasses 16 blocks of 1920s-era commercial buildings, theaters and apartments that were designed in a distinctive Miami Moderne style with sleek lines and zigzag motifs.

On most days, you can find a steady stream of tourists visiting two of Miami’s most popular Art Deco buildings. One is The Betsey, named after America’s "first" seamstress. When it was built in 1924, it served as an apartment building. It remained that way until 2005 when it was converted into a hotel. Today, visitors to The Betsy can take guided tours to learn about its history and enjoy displays of art by local artists on loan from museums and private collections.

Two blocks south of The Betsy is Liberty Square a group of four Art Deco buildings completed in 1939. At that time, it was a naval radio station. It eventually became an office building before being converted into public housing known locally as "Pork n Beans." It was eventually redeveloped into workforce and affordable housing apartments. Just like The Betsey, visitors can take guided tours to learn about its history as well as view art by local artists on loan from museums and private collections. (This property has a really interesting story of race and power relevant to Miami's history and beyond the scope of its relevance to the Art Deco movement. You should look it up.)

In my YouTube video that accompanies this post, I share photographs of buildings in Miami's Art Deco District that I have taken on my visits. I share how these buildings speak to the Art Deco movement at large and offer up some helpful recommendations for visiting. I also discuss the historical relevance of the Art Deco movement not just to Miami but to the United States before and after the World Wars. Definitely check that out to learn more!

How to Use Art Deco in YOUR Classroom

The dramatic architecture of art deco lends itself perfectly to making lessons in history, science, or just about any other discipline more engaging and exciting. When your students are engaged with their learning, they’re much more likely to retain what they’ve learned–and incorporate it into their lives as well.

In the video, I outline some examples of how the concepts and study of the Art Deco movement in architecture can be used in any classroom.

You'll learn:

1. How students can develop a sense of place to create settings for their writing

2. How students can use math, particularly scaling and measurement concepts, to create models that represent the Art Deco style

3. Historical connections that can help students connect the dots between the buildings we use today and the context between the World Wars.

Final Thoughts on the Art Deco Movement

We all love to create and appreciate art, but did you know that art can actually improve your brain? This is a notion embraced by many neuroscientists who believe that studying art history and experiencing works of art can not only make us more intelligent, but also make us better problem solvers. While we may not be able to create a masterpiece or even draw a stick figure, we can still enjoy our surroundings – including paintings, sculptures and decorative architecture. This series, Art That Makes You Smarter, continues to explore this concept each week. I invite you to join.

In the meantime, let me know what your thoughts are on the Art Deco movement and how you might be able to use some of this in your own classroom. You can leave me a comment on the video and I will definitely read it!

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