By the 19th century, Paris was already a city rich in architectural history. And like many cities in the Western world, Paris continued to look toward its past to inform its new architecture. Revivals of old movements were par for the course in Europe. At the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, however, the phenomenon was refined to a distinct style, a beautiful reimagining of the history of architecture. The style was named after the school itself. Steeped in classical instruction, Beaux Arts architects created monumental buildings that were built with perfect Renaissance form, outfitted with Greek and Roman elements, and bejeweled with baroque ornamentation. In no other city does the style look more at home, so here are six of the best Beaux Arts buildings in Paris.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais was the main exhibition space built in preparation for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. The sumptuous and ornate styles of Beaux Arts was a perfect match for a dizzying fair during La Belle Époque.
Petit Palais
The Petit Palais was also built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. Today, it houses a fine arts museum.
Musée D’Orsay
Today a world-renowned museum, the Musée D’Orsay was once a grand rail station. Here is a close-up of Victor Laloux’s stunning Beaux Arts clock.
Palais des Études
Of course, we could not leave out the Palais des Études from the École des Beaux-Arts, the very school where the discipline of classicism was instilled in generations of architects.
Pont Alexandre III
Of the many bridges that cross Paris’s Seine river, the Pont Alexandre III is the most opulent.
Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is the most famous example of Beaux Arts architecture in Paris. It’s like a Corinthian temple dipped in a Rococo palace. It’s also one of the top opera venues in the world.
