Rise of Greek Revival Architecture

The Greek Revival movement arose as the predominant European and North American architectural trend in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Often considered the final stage in the rise of Neoclassical architecture, the Greek Revival, was a global design phenomenon. Architectural works have been discovered in Russia, Poland, Lithuania and Finland. Universally, the style was considered a reflection of local nationalism and civic virtue, as it was considered free of any religious or noble associations.

While exploring the history and culture of Greece, archaeologist-architects of the 18th and 19th centuries studied the ancient Doric and Lonic monuments and applied the lessons to their own work.

The former Royal Academy Professor of Architecture, Charles Robert Cockerell, first referenced the expression “Greek Revival” in 1842. The term reflected the confidence held in the creation of the new architectural style. Previously, architects were unable to successfully adapt classic structure and technique to the needs of the modern city.

Greek style was at its height of popularity at the turn of the 19th century. It was Thomas Hope who influenced many fashionable decorative styles of the time, including; Neoclassical, Empire, Russian Empire and Regency. It’s popularity remained until the American Civil War, and beyond in Scotland and Greece.

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