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The era of "Googie" design and architecture is half a century ago — but in many ways, it feels fresher than anything that's come along since. The optimism and brightness that comes out of these buildings and their facades still shines out like a sign of what humans are capable of when we believe. To see these Space Age monuments tarnished and crumbling is kind of heart-breaking, but somehow their hope remains undimmed.

Here are some of the coolest pictures of "Googie" style we could find online.

Top image: "Jets" by Arby Reed on Flickr.

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Encounter LAX Revised by Brewbooks on Flickr

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Stardust Motel by Kristine Paulus on Flickr

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Midway Motel, by Ercwttmn on Flickr

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Reno, NV by Jillian Northrup on Flickr.

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Mission Hills Bowl by Kent Kanouse on Flickr

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Reno, NV by Jillian Northrup on Flickr

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Reno, NV by Jillian Northrup on Flickr

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Vickers Petroleum by Ercwttmn on Flickr

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Dyne Quik by Ercwttmn on Flickr

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Flying Realty by David Gallagher on Flickr

Southgate Shopping Center, as seen in Edward Scissorhands. By Andy Callahan/Flickr

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Famed architect Eero Saarinen's abandoned TWA Terminal at JFK Airport, photo by Telstar Logistics/Flickr.

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Liquor by Dan Reed on Flickr.

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The Vogue, Hollywood Blvd. by Dan Reed on Flickr

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San Jose, by Jillian Northrup on Flickr

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San Jose, by Jillian Northrup on Flickr

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Melody Cleaners, by Caveman Chuck Coker on Flickr

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Googie Car Wash by Arby Reed on Flickr.

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Hillcrest Motel by Arby Reed on Flickr.

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Googie Airport by Arby Reed on Flickr.

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Park Ave. by Arby Reed on Flickr.

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Electra Steph on Flickr

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Saute's Parking by Ercwttmn on Flickr

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ElectraSteph on Flickr

Pedian Carpet by Cory Dalus on Flickr.

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Westside Billiards by Jillian Northrup on Flickr

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Sure Fit by Jillian Northrup on Flickr

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Nottingham Contemporary by Duncan Harris on Flickr.