1905-1930: Neo-Gothic

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Built in 1924, the Tribune Tower in Chicago is Neo-Gothic in design

Gothic Revival was a Victorian style that borrowed details from Gothic cathedrals and other medieval architecture. In the early twentieth century Gothic Revival ideas were applied to modern skyscrapers. Twentieth Century Gothic Revival buildings are often called Neo-Gothic.

Neo-Gothic buildings have many of these features:

• Strong vertical lines and a sense of great height
• Pointed windows with decorative tracery
• Gargoyles and other carvings
• Pinnacles

Famous Neo-Gothic Buildings

The Chicago Tribune Tower shown here was built in 1924. The architects Raymond Hood and John Howells were selected over many other architects to design the building. Their Neo-Gothic design may have appealed to the judges because it reflected a conservative (some critics said "regressive") approach.

More Neo-Gothic Buildings

• Woolworth Building in New York City
• Casa Botines by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona Spain
• Vysotniye Zdaniye in Moscow, Russia

Neo-Gothic Architects

• John Ruskin
• Philip Webb
• Raymond Hood
• Cass Gilbert

Gothic Styles in Architecture

• Medieval Gothic Architecture
• Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture