Art Deco Art History Lesson

Art Deco Art History Lesson explores the art, architecture, and design of the Art Deco era through engaging information, historical examples, and visual references. Students discover the bold geometric forms, symmetry, streamlined shapes, decorative details, luxurious materials, and dramatic architecture that made Art Deco one of the most recognizable styles of the 20th century.

Students explore how Art Deco appeared in skyscrapers, interiors, furniture, transportation, posters, and graphic design while learning to identify its distinctive visual characteristics. Famous architecture, including the Chrysler Building, helps students see how stepped forms, geometric ornament, dramatic entrances, and decorative details transformed buildings during the Art Deco era.

The resource also includes a complete hands-on architecture project that allows students to apply what they have learned. Students can decorate a façade, add dimensional architectural details, construct individual building levels, or combine three levels into an impressive 26-inch (66 cm) Art Deco skyscraper. Multiple building designs, façade options, printable architectural details, and step-by-step instructions make the project adaptable for upper elementary, middle school, and high school students.

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What’s Included

Complete Art Deco Art History Lesson

Art Deco history, architecture, decorative arts, posters, graphic design, interiors, transportation, and landmarks

How to Spot Art Deco visual characteristics

Chrysler Building feature

Printable 3D architecture project

Three coordinating building designs: A, B, and C

Three stackable building levels

Decorative stepped roofline and simpler flat-top options

Multiple façade options

Printable windows, doors, signs, and architectural details

Options for flat or dimensional façade designs

Photographed step-by-step assembly instructions

Flexible project suggestions for shorter lessons, individual skyscrapers, and collaborative class cities

Behind the Scenes

Curious how this lesson came together? Take a look behind the scenes to see the research, process, classroom testing, and student artwork that helped bring it to life.