Beaux-Arts

[ boh-zahr; French boh-zar ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a style of architecture, popularly associated with the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, that prevailed in France in the late 19th century and that was adopted in the U.S. and elsewhere c1900, characterized by the free and eclectic use and adaptation of French architectural features of the 16th through 18th centuries combined so as to give a massive, elaborate, and often ostentatious effect, and also by the use of symmetrical plans preferably allowing vast amounts of interior space.
2. resembling the architecture, architectural precepts, or teaching methods of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris: often used in a pejorative sense to designate excessive formalism disregarding considerations of structural truth, advanced aesthetic theory, rational planning, or economy.

plural noun

1. (lowercase) the fine arts, as painting or music.

beaux-arts

/ bəʊˈzɑː /

plural noun

1. another word for fine art
2. modifier relating to the classical decorative style, esp that of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris

   beaux-arts influences

Word History and Origins

Origin of Beaux-Arts¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Word History and Origins

Origin of Beaux-Arts¹

C19: French, literally: fine arts

Example Sentences

The May induction ceremony, when members usually gather at the academy’s beaux arts complex in Upper Manhattan, will be held virtually because of the coronavirus.

From Seattle Times

After climbing a dusty marble staircase, visitors are ushered into a parlor dimly lit by a beaux arts chandelier where workers tramp in and out carrying glasses of steaming tea.

From Los Angeles Times

“We occupy three beaux arts mansions that were originally private homes. The buildings are landmarked, and our donors today are philanthropists and supporters of education for girls.”

From Literature

For three decades, the 18-story, beaux arts Michigan Central Station sat vacant on downtown Detroit’s edge, a hulking, decaying symbol of the economic struggles in the city around it.

From The Guardian

The art deco, beaux arts and neoclassical style building in Seattle’s South Lake Union area was completed in 1931 and declared a city landmark in 1996.

From Seattle Times