Buffalo, NY, is a city with a rich architectural legacy, boasting world-renowned designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, historic skyscrapers, and stunning Art Deco landmarks. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, history buff, or simply appreciate great design, Buffalo offers plenty of sites to explore. If you’re staying at Harding House 716, you’re perfectly located to visit some of the most iconic architectural experiences in the Buffalo area.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex
One of Buffalo’s most treasured architectural landmarks, the Darwin D. Martin House is a masterpiece of Prairie-style design by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Built between 1903 and 1905, this house features Wright’s signature horizontal lines, intricate stained-glass windows (called “light screens”), and open floor plans. It’s considered one of his most important residential works.
📍 Location: 125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY
🌐 Website: martinhouse.org
🏆 Best For: Frank Lloyd Wright fans, Prairie-style architecture, history lovers
2. Richardson Olmsted Campus
Originally built in the 1870s as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, this National Historic Landmark was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same architect behind Central Park. Today, the Richardson Olmsted Campus is home to beautifully restored historic buildings, walking trails, and the Lipsey Architecture Center.
📍 Location: 444 Forest Ave, Buffalo, NY
🌐 Website: richardson-olmsted.com
🏆 Best For: Architectural photography, historic preservation, Olmsted landscapes
3. Buffalo City Hall
One of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the country, Buffalo City Hall stands 378 feet tall and features stunning murals, intricate carvings, and an observation deck on the 28th floor with panoramic views of Buffalo, Lake Erie, and even Niagara Falls.
📍 Location: 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY
🌐 Website: buffalony.gov
🏆 Best For: Art Deco lovers, history buffs, skyline views
4. The Guaranty Building (Sullivan Building)
Designed in 1896 by Louis Sullivan, the Guaranty Building is one of the most significant early skyscrapers in America. The building’s terra cotta facade is intricately detailed with floral and geometric patterns, making it one of Buffalo’s most stunning architectural landmarks.
📍 Location: 140 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY
🌐 Website: guarantybuilding.com
🏆 Best For: Skyscraper design enthusiasts, early American architecture
5. Hotel @ The Lafayette
Designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, America’s first professional female architect, the Hotel @ The Lafayette is a stunning example of French Renaissance-style architecture. Originally opened in 1904, this historic hotel is still a premier architectural destination in Buffalo, featuring ornate detailing, grand ballrooms, and a beautifully restored lobby.
📍 Location: 391 Washington St, Buffalo, NY
🌐 Website: hotellafayette.com
🏆 Best For: Historic hotel stays, French Renaissance architecture, unique lodging
6. Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
For fans of theater and grand historic spaces, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is a must-visit. This 1926 vaudeville palace features lavish chandeliers, intricate gold-leaf detailing, and a grand Wurlitzer organ. Designed by the Chicago-based architectural firm Rapp & Rapp, Shea’s is one of the most beautifully preserved theaters in the country.
📍 Location: 646 Main St, Buffalo, NY
🌐 Website: sheas.org
🏆 Best For: Theater lovers, classic architecture, historic preservation
7. Graycliff Estate
Another Frank Lloyd Wright creation, Graycliff Estate was designed as a summer retreat for Darwin D. Martin and sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie. Built between 1926 and 1931, Graycliff is a stunning blend of Prairie-style architecture and natural surroundings, making it a perfect day trip from Buffalo.
📍 Location: 6472 Old Lake Shore Rd, Derby, NY
🌐 Website: graycliffestate.org
🏆 Best For: Architecture & nature lovers, Wright enthusiasts, scenic views
8. The Curtiss Hotel & Rooftop Lounge
For a modern architectural experience, the Curtiss Hotel blends contemporary design with a restored 1912 facade. The rooftop bar offers stunning city views, making it a great place to enjoy Buffalo’s skyline while appreciating its architectural diversity.
📍 Location: 210 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY
🌐 Website: curtisshotel.com
🏆 Best For: Modern architecture, rooftop views, luxury stays
Experience Buffalo’s Architecture While Staying at Harding House 716
Buffalo’s rich architectural history is one of the city’s greatest treasures. Whether you’re exploring Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces, historic theaters, or Art Deco skyscrapers, there’s no shortage of stunning design to discover.
If you’re visiting Buffalo and want a charming, comfortable place to stay, Harding House 716 offers a perfectly located retreat near these iconic architectural sites. Book your stay today and experience the best of Buffalo’s historic and modern design!
🌐 Book Now: Harding House 716 on Airbnb
