These included columns and piers, the classical orders (especially Corinthian), arcades (rows of arches), sculpture-filled pediments and friezes, and domes. What Are the Characteristics of Beaux-Arts Architecture? The Opéra Garnier in Paris, exterior, by Charles Garnier, photo by couscouschocolat, via FlickrĪs a product of this academic tradition, Beaux-Arts architecture made use of elements from classical architecture. Although not as dominant as it once was, the École is still in existence today. Its curriculum was based on the classical tradition, emphasizing principles of drawing and composition from the ancient Greek and Roman past. For a long time, it was the most prestigious art school in the western world, and many aspiring students traveled from all over Europe and North America to study there. It became the École des Beaux-Arts in 1863 after merging with a separate architecture school earlier in the 19th century. Originally called the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture (Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture), it was founded by the order of the French king in 1648. The École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) is a major art and architecture school in Paris, France. The Origins of Beaux-Arts Architecture: What Was the École des Beaux-Arts? Inside the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris, photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, via Flickr

The paris opera forges ahead