Old architectural wonders that were destroyed

Over the years, our collective architectural aspirations have progressed forward in impressively futuristic ways, but these newer buildings have been built on the foundations of those that long came before. The only problem is that many of these architectural ancestors have not survived time's relentless effects, and gorgeous old structures which served as libraries, churches, theaters, and museums have been destroyed by war or demolished to make room for parking lots and freeways.

These lost structures are doubly impressive because of the time in which they were constructed, without all the modern fixings and machines we have today. Click through to have a look at an architectural history that remains just that, history.

Cincinnati Public Library, Cincinnati

Designed by architect James W. McLaughlin, the stunning library, with huge cast-iron book alcoves and spiral staircases, opened in 1874. It was demolished in 1955 when another library opened down the street, and today a parking lot and an office building stand in its place.

Original Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York

The original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, pictured here in its opening year in 1897. It was demolished in 1929 to make room for the Empire State Building.

Peacock Alley at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

Peacock Alley was a 300-foot-long corridor that functioned as a lobby connecting the Waldorf and Astoria Hotels. It gained fame in the early 1900s as the spot where the fashionable socialites would parade their fashion and jewelry.

Roxy Theater, New York

It was incredible! It was demolished in 1960, however, for an expansion of the Taft Hotel and for an office building.

Pennsylvania Station, New York

This is the original Penn Station in 1911, one year after it opened.

Modelled on the Baths of Coracalla, in 1924 NYC it stood out from its surroundings.

Chicago Federal Building, Chicago

Pictured here freshly constructed in 1906, the building was demolished in 1965, replaced with the Kluczynski Federal Building.

Nordbahnhof, Vienna

The railway station, pictured in 1890, was built in the style of the gothic revival. It was demolished in the 1950s.

Cabaret de L'Enfer, Paris

The famous cabaret in Montmartre, founded in 1892 by Antonin Alexander, was demolished in 1950 to allow for the expansion of a Monoprix supermarket.

Detroit Museum of Art, Detroit

First opened in 1888,  the old museum was demolished in 1960. It's now the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Kėdainiai Palace, Lithuania

The beautiful estate was destroyed in World War II. 

Casa de Velázquez, Madrid

The Spanish school was located on the front line in the battle for Madrid during the Spanish Civil War, and was largely destroyed in 1936.

Shibe Park, Philadelphia

It was later renamed the Connie Mack Stadium and went through a lot, from a destructive fire to becoming a place for squatters, before it was demolished in 1976.

Original Madison Square Garden, New York

Built in 1874, this earliest version of the famed MSG seated 10,000 spectators. It was demolished in 1890, replaced with a new building on the same site.

The second Madison Square Garden, New York

Pictured is the interior of the second version of the now-world-famous venue, hosting a shoe manufacturers' convention.

New York World building

At the height of the New York World newspaper, the building was erected in 1890, commissioned by newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer. At the time, it was the tallest building in the city, until it was demolished in 1955 to make space for the ramp to the Brooklyn Bridge.