Art Nouveau: The Architecture of Modern Life

The first global survey of Art Nouveau architecture, including examples from cities historically left out of the canon such as Helsinki, Ljubljana and Riga

This is the first book to expand the scope of Art Nouveau beyond its traditional canon, covering 23 countries and featuring newly commissioned photography. With special access to many iconic buildings--including renowned Art Nouveau landmarks rarely open to the public--author Paul Greenhalgh and photographer Pete Huggins together provide an unprecedented visual and scholarly exploration of this widely recognized and beloved style. Offering fresh theoretical and intellectual perspectives, this study redefines our understanding of Art Nouveau, uniquely examining its architectural heritage and exploring how it is preserved and presented today, as well as its lasting impact on contemporary design. The concluding chapter highlights Art Nouveau’s enduring influence, showcasing its presence in contemporary architecture.
Paul Greenhalgh is a widely recognized specialist on Art Nouveau. He organized the largest exhibition ever on the subject, Art Nouveau 1890-1914, at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2000, which later toured to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, and the Metropolitan Art Museum in Tokyo. His professional roles have included President and Director of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and Inaugural Director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation.