In 1831, Victor Hugo published the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The writer spends great and intentional time on the architecture of the Cathedral with hopes of bringing attention to the French style which was studied asBeaux- Arts. The definition of beaux is fine and beautiful. The term often refers to a handsome man. Beaux-Arts architecture is a style of architecture that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its symmetry, grandeur, and use of classical elements. Beaux-Arts buildings are often made of limestone or marble, and they often feature columns, pilasters, and arches.

The Beaux-Arts style originated at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France. The École des Beaux-Arts was a prestigious architectural school that taught students the principles of classical architecture. Many American architects studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in the late 19th century, and they brought the Beaux-Arts style back to the United States.

The Beaux-Arts style was used to design a wide variety of buildings, including government buildings, museums, libraries, and train stations. Some of the most famous Beaux-Arts buildings in the United States include the New York Public Library,

the Lincoln Memorial,

 and the Grand Central Terminal

Paterson City Hall

Paterson City Hall is a fine example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It was designed by the architectural firm of Carrère and Hastings, and it was completed in 1896. The building is made of limestone and marble, and it features a central clock tower and a grand staircase.

The interior of Paterson City Hall is just as impressive as the exterior. The building features a marble-floored lobby with a high ceiling. The lobby is decorated with columns, pilasters, and arches. There are also several murals on the walls of the lobby. 

Paterson City Hall is a significant example of Beaux-Arts architecture in New Jersey. It is also a reminder of Paterson's rich history as a major industrial city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Other Notable Beaux-Arts Buildings in New Jersey

  • Newark City Hall
  • Trenton State House
  • Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
  • Princeton University Library
  • Stevens Institute of Technology Administration Building