Beaux-Arts architecture had a significant impact on the cityscape of Washington, D.C. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The style, derived from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, was popularized in the United States by the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. It became the dominant architectural style in Washington, D.C. with the construction of several notable government buildings and monuments.
In the early 20th century, efforts were made to beautify the city in line with the City Beautiful Movement, which emphasized grandeur and classical design. The McMillan Plan of 1901 played a crucial role in shaping the city's architectural future, calling for the transformation of the National Mall into a neoclassical ceremonial space.
One of the most iconic examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Washington, D.C. is the United States Capitol. Designed by architect Thomas U. Walter in the mid-19th century and expanded significantly later, the Capitol's dome and wings exemplify the classical elements and symmetrical design of the Beaux-Arts style. Walter himself was influenced by the École des Beaux-Arts and incorporated those principles into his work.
Another prominent Beaux-Arts architectural landmark is the Library of Congress. The Jefferson Building, completed in 1897, is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design, featuring marble interiors, grand staircases, and ornate detailing.
The White House also underwent a major renovation in the early 20th century, with the addition of the West Wing, which was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by architect Charles Follen McKim of the renowned firm McKim, Mead & White. The West Wing became the primary office space for the President of the United States and his staff.
Other notable Beaux-Arts buildings in Washington, D.C. include the National Archives, the Federal Reserve Building, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History.
While the popularity of the Beaux-Arts style declined in the mid-20th century in favor of modernist architecture, its influence on the city's architectural heritage remains significant. Many Beaux-Arts buildings in Washington, D.C. have been preserved and continue to contribute to the city's grandeur and classical aesthetic.
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