Beaux-Arts America: How the École des Beaux-Arts Influenced the Architectural Landscape of America with Roger Mummert

A presentation by Roger Mummert of www.theparisproject.net in association with the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA

Event begins at 1pm PT / 2pm MT / 3pm CT / 4pm ET

Two lions sit on Fifth Avenue—as they have for more than a century—guarding the New York Public Library. 

Folks often are surprised to learn that the lions have names. They are named for two attributes common to the New Yorker: Patience and Fortitude. And though they were carved in the Bronx and reside in Manhattan, if they could speak they might have a bit of French accent.

Their sculptor studied in Paris, as did the two architects of the magnificent library itself, who studied at l’École des Beaux-Arts. 

In fact, when these American graduates of this legendary school of painting, sculpture and architecture returned home, they were called “Paris Men.”

The story of “Beaux Arts America” takes us back and forth across the waters, between Paris and the towns and cities of America. 

We will examine why so much of our American architectural landscape—our schools, post offices, government bureaus, banks, museums and homes of note—are rendered in a style that came to prominence in Paris in the 19th century. And one that America embraced as an expression of culture, stability and power. 

Take a look around: In many ways, we all live in Beaux-Arts America.

About Roger Mummert

Roger Mummert is a journalist whose writing on culture and travel has appeared in the New York Times and elsewhere. He is the creator of www.theparisproject.net, an experiential resource that explores the history of Paris as a city of ideas. He authors a monthly newsletter: “Paris: A City of Ideas.” He is the creator and host of an ongoing series of Zoom presentations in association with the Alliance Française on Paris and French culture. Recent presentations can be viewed on the Federation of AF USA's  You Tube channel. 

Listen to Roger Mummert talk about our upcoming event: