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

These uncomfortable nights paid off - after graduating in 2003 the soon-to-be-star was accepted into Ivory Coast's leading art school, École des Beaux-Arts.

From BBC

Abidjan's École des Beaux-Arts would expose Aboudia to the Ivorian art icons whose influence can be found in his current work.

From BBC

Upon walking into the 43,000-square-foot space, a Beaux-Arts building in a no man’s land north of trendy Notting Hill, Le Gaillard knew it was a place where he and his co-founder, Julien Lombrail, could stretch boundaries and have fun.

From New York Times

The newest addition to Frieze Week is taking over the New York Estonian House, a Beaux-Arts townhouse at 243 East 34th Street, through May 4.

From New York Times

The fair will be at the ornate, wood-paneled club rooms of the Beaux-Arts building on 34th Street, a gathering space for New York’s Estonian community, and will feature 25 galleries from around the world.

From New York Times