Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and neighboring states boast some of the oldest cities in the nation, which is why many people imagine classic, stately architecture when they think of these places. However, development has continued in the Northeast in the centuries since the country’s founding, and in truth there are many incredible examples of beautiful modern architecture throughout this region. If you are looking to take a modern architecture tour across the Northeast, you shouldn’t hesitate to place the following destinations on your itinerary:
Trenton Bath House and Day Camp Pavilions — Trenton, NJ
Adhering to a strict and nearly brutal geometry, the Trenton Bath House and Day Camp Pavilions were designed by renowned modernist architect Louis Kahn, who used this project to realize his now widely accepted concept of served and servant spaces. Inspired by Greek temples but with a simple, clean and modern aesthetic, these pavilions are as gorgeous as they are functional.
Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob — Mill Run and Acme, PA
Frank Lloyd Wright is hailed as the father of modern architecture, and his most famous and most beautiful building by far is Fallingwater, a residence built partially over a natural waterfall in the forested hills of southwest Pennsylvania. However, just a few minutes’ drive from Fallingwater is another stunning Wright project, Kentuck Knob, which was one the last homes completed by the famed architect.
Mellon Hall of Science — Pittsburgh, PA
Another giant in the world of modern architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe aimed for rigorous simplicity in his designs, which is demonstrated perfectly in the clean, orderly lines of the Mellon Hall of Science. Contemporary architects could take inspiration from this structure and highlight austere building materials like steel fabrication in PA and surrounding regions.
George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal — New York City, NY
New York City is known as a haven for modern architecture nerds, with an almost uncountable number of world-famous buildings for you to see and explore. However, instead of again touting the beauty and novelty of the Guggenheim Plaza or the UN Headquarters, it might be worth celebrating a lesser-known modern gem. This humble bus terminal at the George Washington Bridge was designed by Italian architect Pier Luigi Nervi, and its sweeping modern style makes it well worth a visit during your next New York trip.
Tracey Towers — New York City, NY
Not all modern architecture in NYC is located in Manhattan or built for wealthy elites. In fact, one of the most interesting examples of modern buildings in New York is located in the Bronx and was constructed as public housing. Tracey Towers, designed by Paul Rudolph, is a mixture of organic forms and brutalist materials, creating an iconic and otherworldly look.
Bronx Community College — New York City, NY
New York University once attempted to house its main campus in the Bronx, and to attract attention, the school hired noted modern architect Marcel Breuer to design its buildings. The result is undeniably eye-catching and a true highlight of architecture in the Bronx — even if NYU did move back to Manhattan not long after construction concluded. Fortunately, the students of Bronx Community College get to benefit from the beautiful buildings every day.
The Glass House — New Canaan, CT
Following World War II, a group of architects known as the Harvard Five moved together to New Canaan, Connecticut, where they transformed a small town into a mecca for modernist architecture. Perhaps the most striking example of their designs is The Glass House, which, as the name suggests, is a house whose exterior walls are entirely glass. If you are so inclined, you can even stay a night in the Glass House with breakfast and dinner included.
Stillman Residence I — Litchfield, CT
Inspired by the development in New Canaan, Litchfield contracted its own legion of modern architects to redesign residences, schools, libraries and more. One of the patrons of the project, Rufus Stillman, commissioned three separate houses for himself from Marcel Breuer. The first, Stillman Residence I, remains one of the funkier examples of modern architecture, with an unconventional use of color amidst its typical simple materials.
COMSAT Building — Clarksburg, MD
Built as a research facility for the Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT), this enormous building was designed by Cesar Pelli and remains a favorite of modern architecture aficionados for its beautiful contrast with the surrounding landscape. The stark modern building emerges unapologetically from the lawns and trees around it, which you can appreciate best by seeing the entire picture in person.
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