Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

When the trustees of Fort Worth's Modern Art Museum began planning for a new home for the collection, it was clear that no ordinary structure would do. The city's cultural district was already home to two art museums designed by world-renowned architects: Louis I. Kahn's Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter by Philip Johnson.

They turned to Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who in effect created a sleek, contemporary sculpture to house the artwork itself- an environment entirely appropriate to display one of the country's largest collections of postwar art.

At night, the effect is of glowing lanterns floating on the surrounding reflecting pool. The museum is also home to Café Modern, named by Gourmet as "one of America's best restaurants." www.themodern.org