These 4 Unusual Buildings in Georgia Are Unlike Anything Else Around

When most people think of iconic architecture in the Peach State, Savannah’s historic squares or Atlanta’s soaring skyscrapers come to mind. But the landscape also hides some of the strangest buildings in Georgia that are wildly imaginative and quirky, defying all expectations of onlookers. From a revolving UFO-like restaurant in the heart of Atlanta to a glass treehouse tucked into hardwoods, these four buildings are unlike anything else you’ll see — and each tells a surprising story.

The Story Behind Polaris, Atlanta’s Orbiting Icon

Perched atop the towering Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Polaris isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a fine example of weird architecture in Georgia and a slice of retro-futurism. When it first opened in 1967, this revolving restaurant and lounge was one of the earliest of its kind, offering diners a 360-degree panoramic view of the burgeoning skyline as they enjoyed dinner.

Polaris sits beneath a distinctive blue dome that looks more like a flying saucer than a rooftop eatery, and its slow orbit turns every meal into a gentle journey through space and time. Inside, the décor nods to its ’60s roots with vintage curves and a playful, lounge-like vibe. While newer skyscrapers now surround the Hyatt Regency and obscure some of those early views, Polaris remains a beloved piece of Atlanta architectural lore, a flying-saucer dream realized on Peachtree Street. But this isn't the only restaurant in the city with a memorable landmark.

Visiting Westview Cemetery: Tips for Exploring Quirky Architecture

At first glance, Westview Cemetery might seem like just another historic resting place on Atlanta’s southwest side — though it isn't among the most haunted in Georgia. But delve deeper, and you find Westview Abbey, a nearly football-field-sized mausoleum that is one of the largest structures of its kind ever built under one roof in the United States.

Construction of the Abbey began in 1943, and its sprawling interior houses more than 11,000 crypts alongside stained glass, murals, and poetry-inscribed walls. The Spanish Gothic-inspired fan-vaulted chapel, glittering with dozens of stained-glass windows and monumental art, gives the space an almost cathedral-like grandeur. 

Architecturally and culturally, Westview blurs lines between memorial art, architectural spectacle, and spiritual space. The result is a structure that’s beautiful, eerie, and awe-inspiring all at once.

A visit to the Abbey at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta is best approached with a little planning and a lot of reverence. As one of the largest cemeteries in the Southeast, the grounds are expansive, so wear comfortable walking shoes and consider grabbing a map at the entrance to easily locate the Abbey and other notable sections. Try to visit in the morning or late afternoon when the light filters beautifully through the Abbey’s stained glass windows, casting colorful reflections across the marble floors and intricate mosaics. Because it is an active cemetery, keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of services that may be taking place. Bring water on warmer days, as Georgia heat can be intense, and allow extra time to explore the surrounding gardens and historic monuments, which add context and depth to the Abbey’s striking architecture.

Rhodes Hall

If you’ve ever driven along Peachtree Street and spotted a castle-like granite mansion tucked between modern buildings, you’ve seen Rhodes Hall. Built in 1904 for furniture mogul Amos G. Rhodes, this Romanesque Revival masterpiece was inspired by Rhineland castles the Rhodes family saw on a European trip.

Unlike most Victorian homes of its era, Rhodes Hall was constructed with massive Stone Mountain granite, a material more common in churches and civic buildings than private residences. Inside, a carved mahogany staircase is backed by a dazzling series of stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Civil War.

Over the decades, this “Dream” home became the Georgia State Archives and later the headquarters for the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring its survival amid Atlanta’s rapid development of urban projects like the Beltline. Few residential structures in Georgia match Rhodes Hall’s eccentric blend of medieval romanticism and technological modernity.

Glass Treehouse

The Glass Treehouse in Georgia is perhaps the most whimsical among the architectural wonders. This ultra-modern residence is nestled high among the trees near Atlanta’s Ormewood Park. Made almost entirely of glass with steel framing, this striking structure seems to float among the branches, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior.

Built over several years by its designer-builder owners, the Glass Treehouse isn’t a theme park prop — it’s a livable home that embraces Atlanta’s lush greenery. From afar, it’s nearly invisible in summer foliage. Up close, it offers light-filled spaces and panoramic views from every angle.

At night, the lights glowing within make the treehouse appear like a lantern suspended in the woods, which is a testament to how contemporary design and nature can coexist beautifully.

From a spinning saucer above the city to a cathedral-like tomb of stone and light, Georgia’s architectural eclecticism never stops surprising. These four structures prove the state’s creative spirit extends far beyond wide porches and colonial grids, and into realms imaginative, unusual, and uniquely Georgian.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.