Neoclassical Architecture – A New Revival in Ancient Styles and 13 Examples

A style composed of many elements, based on a varying extent on the antique forms of Greek Architecture and Roman Architecture. Neoclassical architecture is said to be a revival of both these styles. The neoclassical movement started in the mid-18th century in France and Italy and continued to rise its popularity until the 19th century. Within a few years, it became a prominent style in the Western world. It is still prevalent today but may be called a New classical Architecture for contemporary buildings.

What is Neoclassical Architecture

Neoclassical architecture is an architectural style that emerged in the mid-18th century as a revival of classical architecture from ancient Greece and Rome. It represents a reaction against the ornate and heavily decorated styles of the Baroque and Rococo periods. Neoclassicism sought to revive the principles of classical architecture, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and order.

This style is a way of recreating ancient buildings in a more authentic classical style eliminating excessive ornamentation by following simple geometry, shapes, and Symmetry. This style borrowed many ideologies and elements from classical architecture and ancient periods often described as Roman and Greek Monuments. Indeed, Neoclassicism with its Roman and Greek focus was a perfect expression of a new spirit and also evoked a political as well as moral sense of purpose.

Major Countries Associated

Neoclassical Architecture mainly prevailed in these countries

• Italy
• France
• Germany
• Britain
• Russia
• America

Span of Neoclassical Architecture

Neoclassical architecture spans from the 18th to the mid-20th century.

Origins and Evolution of Neoclassical Architecture

The neoclassical movement is prominently associated with enlightenment and empiricism. It is principally derived from the architecture of classical antiquity, Vitruvian principles, and from the works of architect Andrea Palladio.

• Italy: An early and prominent place for neoclassical art was Italy, particularly Naples. By the 1730s, architects at the royal court like Luigi Vanvitelli and Ferdinando Fuga were bringing back classical, Palladian, and Mannerist styles in their Baroque buildings.
• England: Sir William Hamilton’s excavations at Pompeii and other sites, the influence of the Grand Tour, and the work of William Chambers and Robert Adam.
• France: The movement was propelled by a generation of French art students trained in Rome, and was influenced by the writings of Johann Joachim Winckelmann.

Key Neoclassical Architects

• Andrea Palladio
• Robert Adam
• Étienne-Louis Boullée
• John Nash
• Thomas Jefferson

Subsets of Neoclassical Architecture

Inspired by the classical architecture of the Greeks and Romans, Neoclassical architecture is of variant distinct styles. They are

Palladian Architecture

Greek Revival Style

Georgian Architecture

Imperial Crown Style

Characteristics of Neoclassical Architecture

• Unity of the Whole
• Symmetry
• Grandeur of scale
• Greek Grandeur: Columns and Pediments, Porticos
• Strict proportion
• Simplicity and Clarity: The simplicity of Geometrical and classical forms without any additional decor
• Austere exteriors
• Minimal or lack of Ornament
• Temple front façade: An array of evenly spaced columns capped by Pediment
• Tripartite division: Buildings are often divided into three parts – a base, middle section, and top (entablature), reflecting classical principles of architecture.

Architectural Features of Neoclassical Style

• Greek and Roman Orders – Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian columns.
• Use of Domes and Pediments
• Marble and Bronze statues, Friezes
• Coffered ceilings
• Blank walls
• Classical motifs

3 Significant Types of Building Styles

Temple Style

Palladian Style

Classical Block Style

Examples of Neoclassical Architecture

The buildings of different countries were commonly designed with classical elements and traditions that included a portico, pediment, or dome on top, Doric/Ionic/Corinthian pillars, continuous entablature, two layers of windows, and also colonnaded buildings that follow symmetry.

Neoclassical Architecture in the United States

American neoclassical architecture was influenced by the New Republic in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Inspired by the works of Andrea Palladio, Federal architecture was born in the United States adapting neoclassical principles mainly by architects – Robert Adam, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and Thomas Jefferson.

United States Capitol (1793 -1800)

• Building: United States Capitol/The Capital/Capital Building
• Function/Use: Seat of the legislative branch of the U.S Government
• Location: Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., United States
• Date of construction: 1793 -1800, Last extension in 1962
• Architect: William Thornton
• Historical Influence: Roman, Greek, and Renaissance Architecture
• Key Features: Majestic façade with symmetry and harmony creating visual balance.

Structure and Facade

The Capitol, built in Neoclassical style with white exteriors, consists of lavish lawns, walkways, streets, driveways, plantations, and monumental sculptures. The Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are on the west, while the Library of Congress and Supreme Court lie on the east.

The U.S. Capitol is symmetrical along its central axis, with the iconic dome at the center and matching wings on either side. It features a raised platform, entrance portico, classical columns, and a triangular pediment, resembling the entrances of ancient temples. Additionally, the facade takes inspiration from the dome of the Pantheon and has a crowned dome with a central rotunda that provides magnificent views of the city. Horizontal continuous lines emphasize long facades, while the wings on either side of the central entrance portico signify balance and proportion. All these elements present the most iconic neoclassical building in Washington, D.C.

White House (1792 -1800)

• Building: White House
• Function/Use: Official residence of US President
• Location: Washington D.C., United States
• Date of construction: 1792 -1800
• Architect: James Hoban

The construction of the White House took place between 1792 and 1800, with the exterior made of Aquia Creek sandstone and painted white. Featured with neoclassical elements, two wings on either side that create a balanced and harmonious composition flank the central portion of the facade. Inspired by classical Greek architecture, the central wing of the southern circular portico features six ionic columns, whereas the northern colonnade adores four ionic columns and a triangular pediment. Decorative cornices and balustrades along the roofline add to the beauty of the neoclassical facade.

Neoclassical Architecture in France

Neoclassicism prevailed in France during 1760-1830.  Its main features include sobriety, straight lines, and forms, such as the pediment and colonnade. As it began during the reign of Louis XV and was dominant during the reign of Louis XVI, neoclassicism in France was known to be as Louis XV style.

Panthéon (1758-1790)

• Building: Pantheon
• Function/Use: Mausoleum
• Location: Place du Panthéon, Paris, France
• Date of construction: 1758-1790
• Architect: Jacques-Germain Soufflot, Jean-Baptiste Rondelet
• Historical Influence: Greek Architecture, Roman Architecture
• Key Features: Corinthian orders, Pediment and Dome

Structure and Facade

The Pantheon of Paris was commissioned during the reign of Louis XV and was constructed similarly to the original ancient Roman Pantheon. Modeled after a Greek temple, the facade and the peristyle on the east side are featured with richly decorated Corinthian orders, and a triangular pediment, as well as surmounted by a dome. This triangular pediment is decorated with figures of scientists, philosophers statesmen to the left, and soldiers to the right. Below the peristyle is the skillfully carved five bas-reliefs, two reliefs over the main doors. The dome is capped by a roof lantern as well as a cross.

Arc de Triomphe (1806-1836)

• Building: Arc de Triomphe
• Function/Use: Monumental Arch
• Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France
• Date of construction: 1806-1836
• Architect: Jean Chalgrin, Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury

The Facade of the Arc de Triomphe features beautiful sculptors, reliefs, carvings, and engravings. Key academic sculptors have their representation in the Arc de Triomphe. Four main sculptural groups, treated as independent trophies, adore each of the four pillars of the monument. Sculpted with reliefs, the upper part of the facade represents significant moments of the French Revolution. The inner elevation and the arches showcase engravings of the names of battles and military leaders. Arcades decorated with allegorical figures and ceilings with sculpted roses further enhance the aesthetics of the monument.

Neoclassical Architecture in Britain

From the mid-18th century, exploration and publishing influenced British architecture to focus more on the Ancient Greco-Roman style.

British Museum (1823 – 1852)

• Building: British Museum
• Function/Use: Public Museum
• Location: Great Russell Street, London
• Date of construction: 1823 – 1852
• Architect: Robert Smirke, John Russell Pope, Sydney Smirke, John Taylor
• Historical Influence: Greek Architecture
• Key Features: Greek revival columns, triangular pediment
• Materials Used: Concrete, cast iron frames, brick, wooden(Oak and Mahogany) floors, and Portland stone.

Structure and Facade

Inspired by classical Greek Architecture, this monumental Greek revival facade is closely based upon the temple of Athena Polias in Asia Minor. With its entrance on Great Russell Street, the building has an impressive façade that includes four grand wings, 44 Ionic columns, a large triangular pediment, massive steps, a sculpture on the tympanum, and a collection of artifacts in the interiors. All these features exhibit simplicity, grandeur, and magnificence.

The British Museum comprises The King Library (now called Enlightenment Gallery), forecourt, Great Court, Reading room, and other galleries. It contains books, artifacts, collections about the history of the Enlightenment, and artwork related to British history.

Somerset House (1776-1860)

• Building: Somerset House
• Function/Use: Cultural Arts Hub, Govt. houses, Public offices, etc
• Location: Strand London, WC2, United Kingdom
• Date of construction: 1776-1860; construction started in 1776 and extended in 1831and 1856
• Architect: Sir William Chambers

Somerset House, a massive neoclassical structure, is located on the south side of the Strand in Central London, with views of the River Thames. With a strong emphasis on symmetry, the building’s facade exhibits a harmonious distribution of elements on either side of the central vertical axis. It incorporates both engaged and free-standing columns, where the free-standing columns support the pediment of the central block. Also, the facade consists of classical motifs, such as friezes, cornices, and decorative detailing, enhancing the visual appeal of the building.

Neoclassical Architecture in Italy

An early center of neoclassicism was Italy, especially Naples. Italian neoclassical architecture often exhibits a refined and elegant style, with an emphasis on symmetry and proportion.

Victor Emmanuel II Monument (1885 -1935)

• Building: Victor Emmanuel II Monument 
• Function/Use: National monument
• Location: Rome, Italy
• Date of construction: 1885 -1935
• Architect: Giuseppe Sacconi
• Historical Influence: Greek Architecture, Roman Architecture
• Key Features: Raised edifice, Portico, colonnade, a statue of the horseman(Italy’s first king)

Structure and Facade

The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, also known as the Vittoriano, was built to honor Victo Emmanuel II, the first king of Itlay. This public square has three levels dominated by a portico and characterized by a richly decorated Corinthian colonnade. A statue of a horseman(Italy’s first king) stands as a focal point of the edifice, and a monumental staircase leads to the entrance. It includes staircases, Corinthian columns, water features, a statue of Victor Emmanuel II on a horse, and two statues of the goddess Victoria riding quadrigas.

It was designed to be a modern forum, like an agora on three levels connected by stairways and dominated by a portico with a colonnade. The monument not only commemorates Victor Emmanuel II but also all war causalities.

San Francesco di Paola (1816-1846)

• Building: San Francesco di Paola
• Function/Use: Piaza, Church
• Location: Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Italy
• Date of construction: 1816-1846
• Architect: Pietro Bianchi, Leopoldo Laperuta
• Historical Influence:  Greek Architecture, Roman Architecture
• Key Features: Large and Impressive public square in Naples

Structure and Facade

The piazza is bounded by the Royal Palace on the east and the church of San Francesco di Paola on the west. The basilica follows a centralized plan, where the main space is organized around a central point, emphasizing simplicity and clarity of design—a characteristic feature of neoclassical architecture.

The piazza is bounded by the Royal Palace on the east and the church of San Francesco di Paola on the west. The facade and overall layout of the basilica exhibit a balanced and symmetrical design. Its central portion resembles the Pantheon in Rome, fronted by a portico with six Corinthian columns along with Ionic columns. Behind, the church is circular with a large dome(53m high) and two side chapels crowning circular domes. Two colonnades that extend on either side of the dominant portico enhance the Basilica with greater width and symmetry.

Neoclassical Architecture in Other Countries

Königsplatz (1816-1862)

• Building: Königsplatz
• Function/Use: Kings square
• Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Date of construction: 1816-1862
• Architect: Karl von Fischer, Leo von Klenze
• Historical Influence: Greek-Roman Inspiration
• Key Features: A large square
• Materials used: Marble, red brick, light plaster

Structure and Facade

The image shows two structures – Propyläen gate on the left and Glyptothek (museum) on the right.

The Propylaeon gate constructed in Doric order was a memorial for the son of King Ludwig I of Bavaria. The central portion is of a Doric colonnade and a pediment, while the two towers on either side are powerful blocks with portals and staircases leading to the upper floor.

The Glyptothek is a museum to houses the sculptures of Greeks and Romans. The portico of the façade is of Ionic columns and the exterior walls are adorned with sculptures in niches.

Palace of the Argentine National Congress (1898-1906)

• Building: Palace of the Argentine National Congress
• Function/Use: Seat of Argentina National Congress, Government of Argentina
• Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Date of construction: 1898-1906
• Architect: Vittorio Meano, Julio Dormal
• Historical Influence: Roman, Greek, and Renaissance Architecture
• Key Features: Impressive façade with colonnades, pediment as well as dome. National historic landmark.
• Materials Used: White marble, limestone, bronze statues

Structure and Facade

Reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman temples, the facade of the building features a series of columns. These columns are of the Corinthian order, characterized by ornate capitals with acanthus leaves. At the top of the structure is a bronze-plated dome surrounded by white marble. It also has sculptures and reliefs depicting figures or themes relevant to the nation’s history and values. Classical domes, contributing to the overall neoclassical aesthetic, inspire the dome’s design.

A grand staircase leads to the entrance portico supported by a pediment that features sculptural elements or reliefs. An 8m high quadriga sculpture stands in front of the entrance that is a symbol of the Argentine Republic. These sculptural elements in addition to representing symbols, add beauty and enhance the aesthetics of the facade.

Palais de Justice (1866-83)

• Building: Palais de Justice
• Function/Use: Courthouse
• Location: City of Brussels, Belgium
• Date of construction: 1866-83, renovated in 1948 and 1984
• Architect: Joseph Poelaert, Joseph Joachim Benoît, François Wellens
• Historical Influence: Greek-Roman Inspiration
• Key Features: Landmark of Brussels

Structure and Facade

Palais de Justice is the country’s most important court building designed in Neoclassical architecture that houses several courts and tribunals. The construction began in 1866 and was completed in 1883 by the last laying of stone. As a major portion of the building was demolished, it was later renovated in 1948 and the process has been in progress since 1984. The courthouse includes an impressive main hall, courtyards, large and small courtrooms, a portico, interior statues, a library as well as a large dome.

The Custom House (1781-91)

• Building: The Custom House
• Function/Use: Local Government offices
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Date of construction: 1781-91
• Architect: James Gandon
• Historical Influence: Greek Architecture, Roman Architecture
• Materials Used: Portland stone, Mountain granite, Limestone
• Key Features: Waterfront façade

Structure and Facade

The Custom house built with four monumental facades is richly adorned with coats of arms and ornamental sculptures. Representing the island, the designers carved a series of keystones that symbolize the rivers of Ireland. These four facades are linked by corner pavilions, entrance porticos with Doric order columns and sculptures symbolizing Irish rivers on the surface of the pediment, and a large figure of commerce standing atop of Dome – all these elements combine together to form a marvelous architectural masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture.

Concertgebouw (1883-86)

• Building: Concertgebouw
• Function/Use: Concert hall
• Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Date of construction: 1883-86
• Architect: Adolf Leonard van Gendt
• Historical Influence: Greek Architecture, Roman Architecture
• Key Features: Finest concert hall with superb acoustics

Structure and Facade

The edifice features most of the neoclassical elements – classical forms, Austere exteriors, minimal ornament, Temple front façade, Corinthian columns, Pediments, Marble and Bronze statues, Friezes, as well as Coffered ceilings.

Conclusion

Neoclassical architecture stands as a testament to the enduring influence of classical ideals on the evolution of architectural thought. Its emphasis on simplicity, order, and harmony reflects not only the aesthetic preferences of a bygone era but also the intellectual and cultural currents that shaped the Enlightenment and subsequent periods. The legacy of Neoclassical architecture endures in the monumental structures that grace our cities, serving as a visual reminder of the timeless beauty and enduring relevance of classical principles in the built environment.