What do the Colosseum, Petra, and Florence’s Duomo have in common? Aside from being timeless architectural masterpieces, they share the earthy elegance of Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse. This rich brown hue, reminiscent of weathered stone and aged wood, feels like it was plucked straight from the palette of history, and yes we took the liberty of pushing our luck in matching the color with the monuments. Call it creative cheating!
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Let’s start with an iconic structure that already carries a hint of Mocha Mousse in its DNA. The Colosseum, with its weathered travertine stones, radiates an earthy brown tone that resonates with this year's color. A symbol of ancient Rome's grandeur, this amphitheater has stood the test of time and continues to inspire awe. From gladiator battles to public spectacles, the Colosseum’s history is as deep and layered as the shade itself.
Materials: Travertine, tuff, brick-faced concrete
Shades: Warm beige with brown undertones
Petra, Jordan
Petra, the Rose City, might be known for its pink hues, but parts of its sandstone facade exude tones reminiscent of Mocha Mousse during certain times of the day. The ancient Nabatean city, carved into cliffs, showcases an earthy palette that perfectly matches the grounding qualities of the 2025 Color of the Year. If you’re not quite convinced, try hiking up to the Al-Deir Monastery past the royal tombs - they really match the color of the year, all day long.
Materials: Sandstone
Shades: Pinkish-red by day, soft brown hues at dusk
Big Ben, London, United Kingdom
When the iconic clock tower emerges under the glow of evening lights, its Victorian-era Gothic Revival design gives off an understated richness. In fact, the whole parliament house - Palace of Westminster - takes on a mocha mousse shade. Oh, did we mention the Big Ben is back in action and ticking and tocking again, after a brief hiatus.
Materials: Sandstone and cast iron
Shades: Stone grey by day, bronze-brown when lit
The Great Wall of China
Stretching across dramatic landscapes, the Great Wall of China boasts earthy, natural tones. Its ancient stones weathered by centuries are almost naturally a Mocha Mousse color in most places that are better preserved. The inside of the ramparts are more this color while some of the stone blocks have been replaced for fortification, and are sadly grey or darker brown.
Materials: Stone, brick, tamped earth
Shades: Brown and earthy tones throughout the day
The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
While not man-made, the Grand Canyon’s stratified layers naturally embody Mocha Mousse tones. It doesn’t get better than the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day reveals deep browns, rich siennas, and earthy tans - it’s like mocha latte art!
Materials: Sandstone, limestone, shale
Shades: Ranges from brown to reddish tones, depending on lighting
The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
The Alhambra, with its intricate details, seems like it was made to feature on the list of Monuments in Mocha Mousse Hues! The warm terracotta and brown tones of its arches and courtyards will give you a glimpse of the luxurious yet grounded lifestyle of the people who lived there.
Materials: Brick, tile, stucco
Shades: Warm red-brown by day, glowing ochre under lantern light
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
While typically associated with golden sands, the pyramids can exhibit darker, mocha-like hues during sunrise or sunset. Their ancient limestone blocks take on the grounding essence of Mocha Mousse. Don’t forget to walk to the Panorama spot to get all the pyramids and the Sphinx in one Insta-worthy shot.
Materials: Limestone, granite
Shades: Sandy beige with darker brown accents at twilight
The Duomo, Florence, Italy
Florence’s Duomo is instantly recognizable thanks to its terracotta-tiled dome by Filippo Brunelleschi, a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering. The earthy tones of the dome already echo Mocha Mousse, creating a warm contrast against the cathedral’s marble facade of green, white, and pink.
Materials: Brick, marble
Shades: Warm brown-red tones
