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Architecture in Texas

By , About.com Guide

The Transco Tower - Philip Johnson

The Transco Tower (also known as the Williams Tower) by Philip Johnson

Photo from the Pritzker Prize Page - Reprinted with permission

A Guide for Travelers to Texas

The home state of Former Presidents Bush and Bush (father and son) has a lot more than oil and cattle fields. For travelers who are architecture enthusiasts, here's a selection of historic buildings and innovative new construction in Texas.

Must-see Buildings in Houston, Texas:

  • The Transco Tower
    Philip Johnson designed this landmark skyscraper, which is now known as the Williams Tower

Must-see Buildings in Dallas, Texas:

  • The MADI Museum and Gallery Building
    Artist Volf Roitman created a new style using bold geometric forms
  • The Dallas Theater Center (Kalita Humphreys Theater)
    Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who reportedly said, "This building will one day mark the spot where Dallas once stood."
  • The John A. Gillin House
    Frank Lloyd Wright's last home constructed before his death.

Must-See Buildings in San Antonio, Texas:

  • The Alamo
    You've heard the phrase, "Remember the Alamo." Now visit the building where the infamous battle took place.
  • La Villita Historical District
    An original Spanish settlement, bustling with shops and artisan studios.
  • San Antonio Missions
    Missions San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion were built over the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Spanish Governor's Palace
    Constructed in 1749, the building was the Governor's Place when San Antonio was the capital of Texas.

Also in Texas:

You can't go inside these privately owned homes, but they merit a drive-by.

Texas Architecture in the News:

  • The Texas A & M Bonfire
    In November 1999, twelve students were killed and more than two dozen injured when a 4-story high pyramid of logs assembled for a pep rally bonfire collapsed at Texas A&M.

Plan Your Texas Itinerary:

For tours of historic Texas architecture, visit the National Register of Historic Places. You'll find maps, photographs, historical information, and travel recommendations.
Texas Travel Guides

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