Architectural Oddities

A wondrous old library overlooking the nation's capital.

A folly built to satisfy a gentleman's bet that he could drive his horses through the eye of a needle.

This unique bridge physically lifts a piece of the road into the air to let boats pass by.

This beautifully designed star-shaped fort was the premier defense system of the late 1500s.

This seemingly out-of-place gas station by the Watergate hotel was once described as the most expensive gas station in the world.

This space age health spa looks like a supervillain's lair.

A huge boat-shaped hotel with a blood red pool and other oddities.

A historic ruin just 20 feet away from a busy highway onramp.

The writing studio of an American adventure author, built in the style of a medieval castle.

This 47-story "M" needed 20 years to be completed

The whimsical twist of this spire was either caused by the Devil, an unexpected virgin, or lead.

Eight "Guardians of Health" protect this art deco water tower from pollutants and bacteria.

This otherworldly church spire reaches up toward the heavens.

In the hinterlands of Serbia's capital, a giant reflective mushroom houses an aeronautical history of the former Yugoslav republic.

A cheeky architectural easter egg.

Tacoma’s 25-foot coffee pot music spot has served up over 80 years of concrete kitsch.