Beaux-Arts architecture is a building style named after the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the legendary school where the principles of this popular late 19th and early 20th century architectural style were taught.

Grandiose, ornate, and theatrical, Beaux-Arts buildings are based on the symmetry and proportions of Roman and Greek classicism but combined with more flamboyant French and Italian Renaissance and Baroque influences. Beaux-Arts, which is sometimes called Academic Classicism, American Renaissance, or Beaux-Arts Classicism, became a favorite architectural style for government and institutional buildings such as art museums, train stations, libraries, university campuses, and court houses in Europe and the United States.

Representing the height of European style and flair, Beaux-Arts also became a signature style for the opulent private mansions of the privileged few in wealthy enclaves such as Newport and Rhode Island.