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Art Deco: 100 Years of Glamour and Modernity
23 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Art Deco originated at a 1925 Paris exhibition, spreading globally since.
- Its style features geometric shapes, curves, and sunburst designs.
- Mumbai boasts one of the world's largest documented Art Deco collections.
The Art Deco aesthetic, first showcased at a pivotal architecture exhibition in Paris in 1925, has charmed the globe for a hundred years. This glamorous style, reminiscent of the jazz age and early cinema, rapidly traversed continents, gracing landmarks from Miami's South Beach to Mumbai's Marine Drive. Its distinctive geometric patterns, including ziggurats and sunburst designs, represented a bold departure from previous eras, embracing 20th-century modernity.
Beyond architecture, Art Deco's influence permeated home interiors, furniture, jewelry, and iconic cinema halls worldwide. Its appeal lay in its optimism and speed, coinciding with advancements like the automobile and concrete construction. As noted by Atul Kumar, founder of the Art Deco Mumbai Trust, the style offered a classicism and simplicity that set it apart from ornate predecessors.
Mumbai stands out as a significant hub for Art Deco, credited by Kumar as home to the world's largest documented collection of such buildings, though some sources place it second only to Miami. The style's enduring presence highlights its timeless design principles and its historical significance in shaping urban landscapes.
