Historic buildings sporting Greek Revival or Neo Renaissance architecture abound in the United States. This is why an Egyptian-looking building will definitely stand out. Just like the aptly named Egyptian Building in Richmond, Virginia.

Declared as a National Historic Landmark on November 11, 1971, the Egyptian Building was constructed in 1845. It once served as the home the Medical College of Virginia and now part of the Virginia Commonwealth University. This medical use is precisely why architect Thomas Stewart chose the Egyptian Revival design. Egyptians are believed to be one of the earliest practitioners of medicine, making Stewart?s design the most appropriate choice.

The building was made from brick, stucco and cast iron. The building sports a squarish design with towering columns at the entrance. It uses a ?winged sun disk? as a prominent design element. Hieroglyphics also adorn the auditorium and antechamber.