“Beaux-Arts” was originally a french term meaning “fine arts” or “beautiful arts”, but in the late 1800’s it came to refer to a specific style of Parisian-influenced architecture in the U.S. A style of architecture that can be summed up with two words…
Massive and grandiose.
Marrying the classical design elements of largesse and symmetry from the Greek and Roman architectural traditions with the elaborate ornamentation from the Rennaissance design ideas, Beaux-Arts architecture became synonymous with larger-than-life, over-the-top architectural identified by the following elements:
•Constructed with stone
•Balustrades
•Balconies
•Columns
•Cornices
•Pilasters
•Triangular pediments
•Lavish decorations (swags, medallions, flowers, and shields)
•Grand stairway
•Large arches
•Symmetrical façade
•Main entrances are the center of the main facade
CLICK HERE TO OGLE A BUNCH OF REALLY GORGEOUS BEAUX-ARTS BUILDINGS