The École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, known for its luxury, symmetry, and ornate decoration, emerged in the mid-19th century, peaking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Beaux-Arts architecture, a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and ancient Greek and Roman styles, was a significant cultural influence in the US, creating numerous iconic public buildings and urban settings.
Beaux-Arts ideas influenced urban planning, fueling the American City Beautiful movement in the late 19th century, resulting in grand civic buildings, public squares, and boulevards in major cities.
Libraries, railroad stations, museums, and public buildings were some of the most prevalent locations for Beaux-Arts architecture. Two essential elements of Beaux-Arts design are symmetry and order.
Beaux-Arts architecture features intricately decorated sculptural elements like medallions, swags, and garlands, while classical themes like fluted columns, Corinthian capitals, and acanthus leaves are common.