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Shaped by advancements in technology, cultural shifts, and globalization, architecture across the world not only provides shelter but also serves as a form of artistic expression. Design techniques and tastes have evolved over centuries, with architects worldwide ditching strict rules in favor of postmodernism, which blends the old with the new in captivating ways. From historic buildings combined with modern design to both versions existing side by side, we’ve compiled 51 fascinating photos of modern versus old architecture, capturing contrast and continuity.

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#1

Old vs. New In Ginza, Tokyo

Old versus modern architecture shown in a city street with a traditional building beside a contemporary geometric facade.

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    #2

    New On Old - Headquarters Of The Union Of Architects In Romania

    Historic building integrated with modern architecture, showcasing a fascinating contrast between old and new design elements.

    Loud_Guardian Report

    Final score:
    11points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t know about anyone else, but when I see a modern add on like this it becomes painfully obvious that the older structure was built to last hundreds of years…….and will probably outlast the new addition by a long shot as well.

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    #3

    The Old vs. New Contrast Always Seems To Amaze Me

    Historic classical building with columns contrasted against modern glass skyscrapers in a cityscape showing old versus modern architecture.

    6to8design Report

    Final score:
    11points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All that glass…so easily shattered.

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    #4

    The Old Contrasts The New, Frankfurt, Germany

    Historic tower contrasting with a modern glass skyscraper in an urban setting showcasing old versus modern architecture.

    KellyFriedman Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #5

    Old Meets New - One World Trade Center And 90 West St., Downtown Manhattan, New York, USA

    Old versus modern architecture shown with a historic stone building next to a sleek glass skyscraper under a blue sky.

    reddit.com Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #6

    St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, USA

    Gothic cathedral with detailed stonework contrasted by a modern glass skyscraper in an urban cityscape showcasing old versus modern architecture.

    Tyler11700 Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #7

    Beautiful Blend Of Old And New In Berlin, Germany

    Interior view of old versus modern architecture with a glass ceiling and brick wall building under natural light.

    queenskid11 Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #8

    Combination Of Old And Modern Architecture In Helsinki, Finland

    Modern building next to old brick architecture with round towers and detailed windows under a clear blue sky.

    Moody-Waltz-147 Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #9

    Epitome Of Toronto: A Modern Glass Building Atop A Historic Base

    Epitome Of Toronto: A Modern Glass Building Atop A Historic Base

    YurethraVDeferens Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #10

    Old vs. New, Chicago, USA

    Old versus modern architecture with historic clock tower and sleek glass skyscraper in a city skyline on a clear day.

    LuckyLegoHands Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #11

    Old And New

    Gothic old architecture with stained glass contrasts against modern glass skyscraper under blue sky.

    highvolkage Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #12

    Old Vs. New, New York, USA

    Old versus modern architecture shown by a historic ornate building next to a sleek glass skyscraper in a cityscape.

    Amazing-Edu2023 Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #13

    Modern Architecture Combined With An Old One In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Blend of old versus modern architecture in a commercial building with classic stone facade and glass extensions under clear sky.

    fadifadifadifadi Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is more like how it should be done.

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    #14

    Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany

    Modern architecture with a glass wave design atop a traditional brick building by the water showcasing old versus modern architecture.

    DarthWerder1899 Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #15

    Old vs. New

    Modern glass skyscraper under construction contrasts with old brick buildings lining the street in old versus modern architecture.

    lifeisakoan Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #16

    Old vs. New Style Of Architecture In Downtown Houston

    Bicycle parked on rooftop with old gothic-style architecture contrasted against modern skyscrapers in the background.

    hindesky Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #17

    Old vs. New, Hong Kong, China

    Old versus modern architecture showing a weathered building contrasting with a sleek glass skyscraper under a blue sky.

    derryainsworth Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #18

    Old Meets New, Perth Old Town Hall With Cathedral And Treasury Precinct, Australia

    Old versus modern architecture shown with a historic clock tower in front of a sleek glass skyscraper under a clear blue sky.

    Whippy77 Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #19

    Modern Vs. Old Architecture, Czech Republic, Prague

    Contrasting old versus modern architecture with a historic ornate building next to a sleek modern glass structure under a cloudy sky.

    mettbr_chen Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #20

    Old And New Facades Sharing A Block - Brooklyn, New York, USA

    Green historic building contrasted with tall modern glass and brick architecture showcasing old versus modern architecture.

    reddit.com Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Four distinct eras/styles represented in this photo

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    #21

    Integrating The New Into The Old

    Modern glass facade building next to an old classical architecture with stone columns under a clear blue sky.

    adesigne Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is nicely done, with the arched glass panels.

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    #22

    Old Meets New - The British Library & St Pancras Railway Station, London, England

    Contrast between old versus modern architecture shown with historic spires behind a blocky, modern building in black and white.

    emcn13 Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    markglass avatar
    Lotekguy
    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium     3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From this angle the new is letting the side down.

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    #23

    Old And New Facades, 1883 And 2007, The Strasbourg Train Station In Alsace, France

    Old versus modern architecture shown in a busy train station blending historic stone walls with a glass and steel roof structure.

    Benja1789 Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #24

    Old & New In Chicago, USA

    Ornate old architecture next to sleek modern glass building showcasing old versus modern architecture contrast.

    UpperFrontalButtocks Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #25

    Old And New, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Old versus modern architecture combined in one building showing contrasting design styles in an urban setting.

    beambag Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #26

    Traditional And Modern Architecture, National Gallery, Singapore

    Interior view showing contrast between old architecture with classical columns and modern architectural structural elements.

    SnooBunnies2591 Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #27

    A Modern Color Scheme Against Old Buildings

    Colorful modern basketball court nestled between old European-style buildings showcasing old versus modern architecture contrast.

    j3ffr33d0m Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #28

    Old Buildings vs. New Buildings

    Old versus modern architecture shown by old graffiti-covered building and sleek glass skyscraper near railway tracks.

    PuzzleheadedYam5996 Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #29

    Old vs. New

    Old versus modern architecture shown through a contrast of a brick apartment building and sleek glass skyscrapers.

    moscowoutskirts Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s also different economic conditions.

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    #30

    Old vs. New In Boston, USA

    Old versus modern architecture with a historic stone building in front of a tall glass skyscraper against a cloudy sky

    wa-da-tah Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #31

    Old vs. New - European Cities Integrating Historical Identity With Modern Design

    Old versus modern architecture contrast shown with historic European buildings in the foreground and modern skyscrapers in the background.

    rainyskyday Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #32

    Old And New, Liverpool, England

    Old versus modern architecture showing historic clock towers and contemporary glass buildings along a waterfront cityscape.

    scouserdave Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #33

    Old And New Combination

    Old versus modern architecture side by side, showcasing contrasting styles with stone and glass building materials.

    irlms001 Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #34

    Architecture - Modern Vs. Old

    Old versus modern architecture showing contrast between an old ornate building and a sleek glass skyscraper.

    Supsti_1 Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #35

    New Building vs. Old Building, Liverpool, England

    Contrast of old versus modern architecture shown in adjacent buildings with distinct historical and contemporary designs.

    bladefifteen Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is also a better integration

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    #36

    Old vs. New

    Side-by-side old versus modern architecture showcasing traditional brick and contemporary geometric design on urban row houses.

    PhilaOutsider Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #37

    Old vs. New Buildings In Mumbai, India

    Old versus modern architecture shown in cityscape with older low-rise buildings in foreground and modern skyscrapers in background.

    amsarawel Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    lyone_fein avatar
    Lyone Fein
    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmm, everything in this photo is new architecture.

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    #38

    New vs. Old As One

    Old versus modern architecture showing a glass facade building next to a traditional yellow residential building.

    sandra-Alek Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #39

    New Cathedral Among 20th Century Houses, St. Petersburg, Russia

    Statues of a cartoon boy and turtle in a snowy park with old golden-domed church and modern apartment buildings nearby.

    melanf Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #40

    Old And New Architecture In Basel, Switzerland

    Old versus modern architecture contrast with historic buildings in foreground and contemporary skyscraper in background.

    DantesDame Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #41

    Old vs. New

    Old versus modern architecture shown with detailed red brickwork and carved gargoyle contrast against simple modern building facade.

    Good_Temporary_251 Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #42

    Old Vs. New In Berlin, Germany

    Old versus modern architecture showing a colorful modern building next to an ornate historic brick building under a gray sky.

    Urbanauth Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #43

    Old And New: Fort Saint Jean & Mucem, Marseille

    Old versus modern architecture contrast with historic fortress and contemporary museum by the waterfront under a clear blue sky.

    wisi_eu Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #44

    When Old Meets New, Slocum Hall, Syracuse University

    Staircase blending old stone architecture with modern metal railings and concrete walls in an urban building interior.

    brewakowski Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #45

    The Mix Of Old vs. New Architecture In Nottingham

    Old versus modern architecture shown with historic brick building in front of sleek contemporary apartment complex under clear sky.

    420Eski-Grim Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #46

    The Old Concrete Train Station Building (1972) Next To New One (2024) Olsztyn, Poland

    Old versus modern architecture with a historic tall building next to a contemporary low-rise structure under a cloudy sky.

    panniepl Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #47

    The Historic St Pete, Florida vs. A Modern Condo Behind It

    Modern high-rise building towering behind old architectural structures on a city street with construction signs visible.

    corrado-slc Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #48

    Old vs. New In East Berlin, 1985

    Black and white image showing old versus modern architecture with traditional houses and tall modern buildings in the background.

    P. Zimmermann Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #49

    Old vs. New Buildings Near A Park

    Small old brick house by a canal contrasted with modern glass office buildings behind, surrounded by trees.

    The_neub Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #50

    Old vs. New Buildings In Moscow, Russia

    Tall modern skyscrapers with grid-like windows contrast with older, worn apartment buildings in an urban cityscape.

    Toby4EAR Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #51

    A Reflection Depicting Old vs. New

    Reflection of old architecture on the glass facade of a modern building showcasing old versus modern architecture contrast.

    puddinface808 Report

    Final score:
    5points
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