Top 30 Examples of Revival Architecture

The Revival Movement was a period in architectural history that revolved around recreating the buildings of the past. The Revival Period lasted from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century. The movement began with the emergence of Neoclassical Architecture and quickly transformed into a global phenomenon. Revivalist architects borrowed from all of the major phases in architectural history, creating new styles such as Romanesque Revival, Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Baroque Revival. The Revival Movement would change architecture forever, and the list below will highlight 30 of the World’s Greatest Examples of Revival Architecture.

Note: The terms “Revival” & “Neo” are often used interchangeably, Ie…Gothic Revival & NeoGothic.

When did the Revival Movement take place?

Revivalism was an architectural movement that emerged in the 19th century and continued until the early 20th century. 

There are many different styles of Revival Architecture, but they all revolve around the same theme: replicating the buildings of the past and redesigning them in a new way.

Some of the main Revivalist Styles include Neoclassical, NeoByzantine, NeoRomanesque, NeoGothic, NeoRenaissance, and NeoBaroque.

Eventually, during the 1920s and 30s, other more fluid and sculptural building forms became popular, such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco Architecture.

What are the Revival Styles?

Virtually every architectural style was utilized during the Revival Movement. From Ancient Egyptian & Greek Architecture to the Medieval buildings of the Romanesque and Gothic Ages. The list below will show most, but not all, of the major typologies found within the Revival Movement.

Neoclassical was the first Revival Style. Neoclassical Architecture emerged at the tail end of the Baroque Age. Many designers grew tired of the exuberant detail and flashy-ness of Baroque and Rococo Architecture. They wanted to focus on a more austere and pragmatic building style. Neoclassical Architecture replicated the buildings of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. It used a lot of bold and simplified forms and most buildings were white in color. Neoclassical design also utilizes building components like Pediments, Friezes, Balustrades, and columns from the Classical Orders. (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) This image shows the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC, which is a replica of the Pantheon in Rome.

Another Revival style is Byzantine Revival Architecture. This style recreates the Architecture of the Byzantine Empire. This style utilizes many typical Byzantine elements, such as domes, rounded arches, and Byzantine-style mosaics. The image above shows the Basilica Sacré-Cœur, one of Paris’ most Iconic buildings.

Romanesque Revival is another building style from the Revivalist Period. This style replicates Romanesque Architecture, Europe’s leading building form in the 10th & 11th centuries. Romanesque Revival Architecture was popular in Western Europe and North America. Buildings in this style use a lot of round arches and simplified geometries. They also have particularly deep and thick walls with small windows. This image shows London’s Museum of Natural History.

Gothic Revival Architecture was one of the most utilized Revival Styles. It recreates the buildings of the Gothic Age, which took place in Europe from the 13th to the early 15th century. Gothic buildings typically have pointed arches, spires, stained glass, and Gothic Tracery. Gothic Revival Architecture was utilized in many 19th-century religious buildings and can also be seen in government buildings. This image shows the facade of the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, which contains a wide assortment of Gothic elements.

Renaissance Revival is another Revival Style focused on replicating works of Renaissance Architecture. The Renaissance Movement emerged in Florence in the mid-1400s and rapidly spread throughout Europe by the 1500s. Renaissance Revival Architecture is known for its use of Symmetry, Proportion, Rhythm, Repetition, and Hierarchy. Renaissance Revival buildings also use a lot of elements from Classical Architecture such as Pediments, Round Arches, and Marble Statues. This image shows the Justizpalast, one of Vienna’s many amazing Revival-Style buildings.

Baroque Revival Architecture, often referred to as NeoBaroque, was another style that emulated the buildings of the Baroque Age. Baroque Revival Architecture is known for its over-the-top detailing and use of lavish materials like gold. The Baroque Age was a time of excess, and many buildings were meant to show off the wealth and status of their owners. This image shows Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. It was built by the Japanese Emperors to be a lavish residence, rivaling those found in the West.

Second Empire Architecture was a design style that emerged in the 1800s. It originated with the buildings of Napoleon III, who ruled France from 1852 to 1870. He wanted to recreate the buildings of previous French Rulers but also develop a new building typology that reflected his regime. Second Empire Architecture was particularly utilized in France, Canada, and the United States. Second Empire designs contain a lot of details from French Baroque Architecture – most notably the Mansard Roof. This image shows one of the world’s greatest Second Empire buildings, Philadelphia City Hall.

Egyptian Revival is another building form that became popular amongst Revivalist Architects. Although there are only a few spurradic examples, Egyptian Revival Architecture shows the strong connection the world still shares with Ancient Egypt. The images above show the facade of a building in Strasbourg, France. Here Egyptian Revival details are mixed in with other elements from Art Nouveau Architecture.

Greek Revival Architecture is very similar to Neoclassical Architecture. It recreates the buildings of the Ancient Greeks, with an emphasis on Greek Temples. Greek Revival buildings often borrow features from the three Classical Greek Orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The image above shows the Vermont State House in Montpelier, Vermont, USA. This building combines Greek Revival elements, such as the Doric Columns, with Neoclassical features like the gilded dome.

Moorish Revival Architecture replicates the buildings of the Medieval Moors that once controlled parts of Spain & North Africa. The Moors built magnificent buildings throughout cities like Seville, Granada, Tangier, and Marrakesh. Moorish buildings utilize elements from other forms of Islamic Architecture. The image above shows the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary. This building was constructed in the mid-1800s and utilizes many different Moorish design characteristics.

Another building style from the Revival Age is known as Eclecticism. Architects who practiced Eclecticism would borrow elements from multiple styles and combine them into one cohesive structure. Eclectic buildings could contain features from any of the styles listed above. This image shows the Semperopera in Dresden, Germany. The building combines various elements from NeoRenaissance & NeoBaroque Architecture in order to create a unique and eclectic edifice.

What are the Greatest Examples of Revival Architecture?

Below is a list of 30 of the world’s greatest examples of Revival Architecture. The order of the buildings is based on their size, splendor, and overall influence on the evolution of the Revival Movement.

1. Hungarian Parliament Building  –  Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a massive work of Gothic Revival Architecture overlooking the Danube River in Budapest. The building officially opened in the year 1902, although large portions of the structure were completed in advance of the Budapest Millennium Exhibition of 1896. After a lengthy selection process, officials decided to go with a Gothic Revival Design, which had a lot to do with the strong Medieval heritage of the Hungarian Nation. The design of the Hungarian Parliament Building was also meant to resemble the Palace of Westminster in London in an effort to help connect Hungary with the powers of Western Europe.

One famous element within the Hungarian Parliament Building is its massive central dome. Domes were a rare design feature back in the original Gothic Age, but they became more popular in the 19th century. Today, the Hungarian Parliament Building still houses the National Assembly of Hungary and it remains one of Budapest’s most popular landmarks. The entire facade was recently restored in the early 21st century, and today, the building looks just as good as it did when it first opened a century ago.

2. Akasaka Palace  –  Tokyo, Japan

Akasaka Palace is a large royal residence located in Tokyo. It was commissioned by the Crown Prince of the Empire of Japan and was completed in 1909. It was designed by a Japanese Architect who was sent to Europe to study French Architecture during the late 1800s. He returned to construct several of Japan’s greatest works of Revival Architecture, including Akasaka Palace and the Kyoto National Museum.

Akasaka Palace contains all of the typical elements of Baroque Revival Architecture. It utilizes many different classical elements like pediments, balustrades, and Ionic Columns. It also contains many NeoBaroque sculptures with a strong Beaux-Arts influence. Today Akasaka Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in all of Japan, and it serves as an important state guest house for the Japanese government.

3. Vienna State Opera – Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a prominent city in Central Europe, and it was once the capital of the mighty Austrian Empire. Up until the 19th century, the city was completely encircled by a ring of defensive fortifications. But, in an effort to help Vienna expand, these walls were torn down and replaced by a ring of parks, prominent buildings, and roads. This ring is known as Vienna’s Ringstrasse, and today, it’s filled with dozens of impressive Revivalist buildings. One of the most prominent structures along the Ringstrasse is the Vienna State Opera House.

Designed in the Renaissance Revival Style, it features all of the iconic elements found in Renaissance Architecture. There is great use of symmetry, proportion, and rhythm, and the facade is decorated with uniform repeating geometries. The simplified color pallet is another feature borrowed from the Renaissance. Today, Vienna is known for its abundance of arts and culture, and the State Opera House is one of many performing arts venues within the city.

4. Palace of Westminster – London, England, UK

The Palace of Westminster is a famous work of Gothic Revival Architecture overlooking the River Thames in downtown London. Construction began on the building in 1840 and was completed by 1876. The design borrows many elements from traditional English Gothic Architecture, including pointed arches, spires, pinnacles, and Gothic tracery. Many of these same elements are found throughout other nearby buildings such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. The Palace of Westminster contains the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two main entities within the English Government.

One of the building’s most infamous elements is its 316-foot (96 m) tall clock tower. The tower is more commonly known by its nickname, “Big Ben.” Big Ben has long been a symbol of London, and its clockface has been accurately providing time since 1859. Thanks to its striking appearance and important political status, the Palace of Westminster remains a focal point of English Politics and Culture, and it’s one of the UK’s most well-known buildings.

5. U.S. Capitol Building – Washington D.C., United States

In the 19th century, the newly formed U.S. Federal Government needed new buildings to house various functions. U.S. politicians were eager to develop a unified architectural style for the nation – and they chose the Neoclassical Style. This was deliberate because they wanted to evoke the ideas of the strong and successful governments of the ancient world – such as the Democracy of Athens and the Republic of Rome. In 1791, the decision was made to move the U.S. capital from Philadelphia to the newly established city of Washington D.C. Work began on the Capitol Building shortly after, and continued on and off until 1866.

The interior of the U.S. Capitol Dome contains many of the typical elements found in Neoclassical Architecture. There is a coffered ceiling and an elaborately carved Frieze stretching across the entire drum of the dome. Today, the U.S. Capitol Building remains a symbol of the American Government and is proudly featured on America’s 50 Dollar Bill. It houses many government entities, including the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.

6. Museum of Natural History  –  London, England, UK

The London Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s greatest examples of Romanesque Revival Architecture. It was completed in 1881 and has been open to the public ever since. The museum houses an incredible collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of life on Earth. The image above shows the front facade of the museum, which greatly resembles many Romanesque Cathedrals from all across Europe. The London Museum of Natural History blends in well with many of the city’s other Romanesque buildings, like the Norman-era Tower of London.

7. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral  –  Sophia, Bulgaria

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the principal church for the Bulgarian capital, Sophia. Bulgaria achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908, and the cathedral was completed shortly after in 1912. The building’s most iconic element is, of course, its golden dome. This feature mimics many older works of Byzantine Architecture, such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is possibly the world’s most well-known work of Byzantine Revival Architecture and one of Bulgaria’s national landmarks.

8. Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle is a work of Romanticized Architecture in the Bavarian Alps outside Munich. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was often regarded as a “Romanticist King“.: Ludwig spent huge amounts of money creating this alpine getaway, which is today one of the most well-known Castles of the Romantic Age. Neuchwanstein Castle also contains elements from Romanesque Revival Architecture and utilizes many of the features found in older Medieval Castles.

9. Philadelphia City Hall  –  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia City Hall is a large government building located in central Philadelphia. Construction began on the building in 1871 and was finished in 1901. At the time of its completion, it held several world records, including the World’s Tallest Building. Philadelphia City Hall has many elements from Second Empire Architecture. These include a steep Mansard Roof, intricate details, and lots of Baroque Sculptures.

10. Château Frontenac  –  Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Château Frontenac is a work of Revivalist Architecture located in Quebec City. It is named for Louis de Buade de Frontenac, an important figure in early French Canadian history. The building is designed in the Châteauesque Style and utilizes an eclectic blend of features from Romanesque & Gothic Architecture. Château Frontenac contains towers, turrets, pinnacles, and thick stone walls. Today, the building functions as a luxury hotel and contains several popular bars and restaurants.

11. Oceanographic Museum – Monaco, Monaco

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is one of the world’s most stunning examples of Baroque Revival Architecture. The museum is located in central Monaco, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The building has a complex foundation that utilizes the rugged bedrock of the adjacent cliff. The Oceanographic Museum houses a collection of exhibits and artifacts focused on ocean life and marine biology. The museum opened its doors in 1910 and saw a major restoration during the early 21st century.

12. Semperopera  –  Dresden, Saxony, Germany

The Semperopera is a 19th century Opera House located in Dresden. It is a great example of Eclecticism in architecture. The design combines many elements from both Baroque Revival and Renaissance Revival. The Semperopera was destroyed in the allied bombing raids on Dresden during WWII but has since been meticulously rebuilt. Although the Golden Age of the Opera is long gone, the Semperopera remains a proud testament to this period.

13. Trinity Church  –  Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Trinity Church is a large house of worship in the middle of Boston, Massachusetts. It was completed in 1877 and designed by Henry Hobs Richardson. Richardson was a famous architect at the time who worked almost exclusively in the Romanesque Revival Style. The church is regarded as one of Richardson’s greatest works, and is one of the most iconic buildings in Boston. It overlooks Copley Square and is located next to other important monuments, including the Boston Public Library and the John Hancock Building.

14. Arc de Triomphe – Paris, France

One of the big ideas behind Neoclassical Architecture is returning to the traditions of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The ancient Romans, in particular, built many Triumphal Arches as a way to commemorate important people and events. The Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1836 and is a new adaptation of this same idea. The Arc de Triomphe is a Triumphal Arch commemorating the lives lost in the French Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars.

15. New Town Hall – Munich, Germany

During the mid-1800s, the local government in Munich had outgrown its Town Hall. City officials then decided to build a New Town Hall, overlooking Munich’s central market square. A Gothic Revival design was chosen for the building, which helped it blend in with the area’s other Gothic Architecture. The New Town Hall’s most iconic feature is its central tower, which measures 278 feet (85 m) tall.

16. New York State Capitol Building  –  Albany, New York, United States

The New York State Capitol Building is one of the many great Capitol Buildings of the United States. It was designed by several different architects, including HH Richardson. The design of the building is an eclectic blend of Romanesque Revival and Renaissance Revival Architecture. The New York State Capitol Building is located on a steep hill in central Albany. It’s surrounded by several other government buildings, designed in both Revivalist and Modernist styles.

17. Hamburg City Hall  –  Hamburg, Germany

Constructed from 1886 to 1897, Hamburg City Hall is one of Germany’s greatest examples of Renaissance Revival Architecture. It houses the local government for the city of Hamburg, and its 367-foot (112 m) tall tower looms over the Rathausmarkt. The main facade of the building shows the use of symmetry and repetition, which were important ideas in the Renaissance Movement. Although much of Hamburg was devasted by bombing in WWII, Hamburg City Hall has been meticulously restored, and it remains a testament to the city’s proud history.

18. Belfast City Hall – Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

Belfast was an important city in Ireland during the late 19th century. It saw a large population boom, thanks to the Industrial Revolution. At the time, Belfast’s population rivaled Dublin’s, and it was an important center for manufacturing and shipbuilding. Eventually, the local government wanted to expand and create a new city hall to replace a smaller building from 1871. City officials chose Baroque Revival for the design, and the building was completed in 1910. Belfast City Hall was designed to resemble the buildings of Sir Christopher Wren – one of the most prolific English architects of the Baroque Age.

19. Tribune Tower  –  Chicago, Illinois, United States

Tribune Tower is a 36-story building located in downtown Chicago. It was built to house the offices of the Chicago Tribune, the city’s main newspaper. The tower itself doesn’t contain an abundance of Gothic Revival details, but the top of the building is embellished with some of the main elements of the Gothic Style. In the right image above, you can see the top floors of the tower, which are outfitted with pinnacles, buttresses, and Gothic tracery. Tribune Tower also has a strong influence from Art Deco Architecture, which was popular in many American Skyscrapers.

20. Lincoln Memorial  –  Washington DC, United States

The Lincoln Memorial is a Neoclassical building located in Washington D.C. The monument commemorates Abraham Lincoln, who is regarded as one of the U.S.‘s greatest presidents. He worked tirelessly to preserve the unity of America during the Civil War and famously signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This document outlawed slavery throughout the United States, which was a pivotal change in the nation’s history. The Lincoln Memorial has a simple boxy design, featuring a line of Doric Columns. Inside, there is a colossal marble statue depicting a seated Abraham Lincoln.

21. Parliament Building of Quebec  –  Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Quebec is one of the Ten Provinces of Canada. It originated as a French Colony established back in the 16th century. The region has always had a strong connection with France, despite being taken over by the English Colonial Empire in 1763. The Quebec Parliament Building is located in the heart of Quebec City, the capital of the province. The building was designed in the Second Empire Style. and it also has a strong NeoBaroque influence.

22. Smithsonian Castle  –  Washington DC, United States

The Smithsonian Castle is one of the most important works of Romanesque Revival Architecture in the United States. It was completed in 1855 and was one of the original buildings in the Smithsonian Museum Complex. The building itself is a blend of Romanesque Revival mixed with elements from other Medieval Castles. Today, the Smithsonian Castle no longer functions as a museum, and instead contains offices and other service functions for the Smithsonian Organization. 

23. Sacré-Cœur – Paris, France

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is a work of Byzantine Revival Architecture in Paris. It’s located atop the Montmartre, a large hill that overlooks the entire city. Aside from its commanding location, the church is well known for its large Byzantine-Style Domes. The domes are curved with an integral drum at the bottom, which is a feature found in a lot of Byzantine-inspired architecture. You can see other examples of domes like this in cities like Marseille, Venice, and Ravenna. 

24. Obelisk Monuments

Obelisk Monuments are another great example of Revivalist Architecture. Obelisks were popular in Ancient Egypt, and many pharaohs would commission their construction. During the 19th century, it was common for more modern governments to commission major obelisk monuments. One of the greatest examples of this is the Washington Monument, which is located in the National Mall in Washington DC. There are also countless other Obelisks located throughout the US and Europe.

• (left) Washington Monument – Washington DC, United States
• (center) Bunker Hill Monument – Boston, Massachusetts, United States
• (right) Wellington Monument – Dublin, Ireland

25. St Patrick’s Cathedral  –  New York City, New York, United States

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the many incredible 19th-century Cathedrals in the United States. It’s located in Midtown Manhattan, one of the densest neighborhoods in the entire world. Construction began on the church in 1858 and lasted over 20 years. The striking Gothic Revival design was chosen to emulate the many Gothic Cathedrals throughout Europe. This was done to cater to the large European immigrant population living in New York City during the 1800s.

26. Hôtel de Ville – Paris, France

The Hôtel de Ville de Paris was constructed from 1874-1882 in the Renaissance Revival Style. It replaced a much older structure that was built in 1551. The previous building was a work of Renaissance Architecture designed at the peak of the Renaissance movement in France. After a devastating fire destroyed the original in 1871, a Renaissance Revival Design was chosen to help connect both buildings. The Hôtel de Ville features all of the iconic elements in Renaissance design, including symmetry, proportion, and rhythm.

27. Prague National Theater  –  Prague, Czech Republic

The Prague National Theater sits at the edge of the Vltava River in the heart of Prague’s historic center. It was completed in 1881 after a lengthy process of proposals and approvals that led to its construction. The people who financed the building wanted to create a space to celebrate Czech theater and art. This was a key theme in the Czech Nationalist Movement, which was popular in the 19th century. The theater holds various ballet, opera, and drama events and it’s one of Prague’s most celebrated venues.

28. Museum of Fine Arts & National History Museum  –  Vienna, Austria

The Museum of Fine Arts and the National History Museum are two symmetrical works of Baroque Revival Architecture in Vienna. They were each constructed within Vienna’s Ringstrasse, which was completely transformed in the 19th century. The NeoBaroque Design was chosen to help blend with Vienna’s other Baroque structures like Hofburg Palace. To see the area between the two museums, you can check out this Photo Sphere.

29. Rossio Station  –  Lisbon, Portugal

Rossio Railway Station is one of the largest transportation hubs in Lisbon. The main building is located in between Rossio Square and Restauradores Square. The station houses several railway lines that connect Lisbon to other cities like Sintra, Coimbra, and Porto. Rossio Station was designed in the NeoManueline Style, a form of Gothic Revival that replicates Manueline Architecture. The style is named for King Manuel I, who ruled Portugal during the Golden Age of Discovery.

30. Fisherman’s Bastion – Budapest, Hungary

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a great example of Romanesque Revival Architecture. It’s located in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Although it wasn’t actually constructed for defensive purposes, it’s still known as a “Bastion” because it greatly resembles fortifications from the Romanesque Age. The Fisherman’s Bastion also contains a large monumental staircase that connects it with the Danube River below.

Responses to the Revival Movement

Eventually after over a century of the Revival Movement, many architects were becoming fed up with designing the same old buildings over and over again. Rather than just copying the buildings of the past, they wanted to branch out and build new contemporary designs unique to the 20th century. 

Beaux Arts Architecture was a popular turn-of-the-century building style. It emerged in the late 1800s and was popular up until the outbreak of WWII. Beaux Arts Architecture blends Neoclassical and Baroque Revival elements and pairs them with emerging building technologies. These new technologies include glass canopies, skylights, and the use of iron and structural steel. The image above shows the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, one of the world’s most well-known Beaux Arts buildings.

Art Deco Architecture is another building style that emerged in the wake of the Revival Movement. Art Deco Architecture was particularly popular in the 1920s and was heavily utilized in the United States. Art Deco design uses a lot of vertical emphasis, elongated lines, and simplistic geometry. It’s also known for utilizing Chrome, Brass, Stainless Steel, and other metals not seen in the Revival Period. The images above show the Chrysler Building, one of New York City’s most iconic structures. 

Art Nouveau Architecture was another building style that emerged in response to Revivalism. Art Nouveau is known for its fluid, undulating, and organic forms. Many of the complex curves in Art Nouveau buildings were unheard of in the Revival Age, and they were a way for architects to express new ideas and building techniques. Art Nouveau Architecture was popular in the early 1900s, particularly in European cities like Paris, Brussels, and Prague. 

Modernisme Architecture is another design style that emerged after the Revival Movement. Modernisme is a regional style found in Catalonia and the surrounding area. Antoni Gaudi was the style’s most notable architect. Barcelona contains dozens of incredible works of Modernisme Architecture, most notably Park Guell, Casa Batlo, and the Sagrada Familia. The images above show Casa Batlo, one of Gaudi’s most prized buildings.

Revival Architecture Today

The Revival Movement was a key phase in architectural history that emerged in response to the excesses of the Baroque Age. It began with Neoclassical Architecture and quickly branched out to imitate Europe’s most prolific building styles, such as Romanesque and Gothic.. By the late 1800s, Revivalism spread across the entire globe and would become the world’s major building typology. Although Revival Architecture eventually lost popularity, the Revival Movement remains very important and influential in the modern age.

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