History of Neoclassical architecture in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2026

Neoclassical architecture emerged in the mid-18th century in Italy, France, and Germany as a reaction against the excesses of Late Baroque and Renaissance styles. It sought to revive a purer and more authentic form of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, adapting it for modern use. This movement became a prominent architectural style in the Western world, emphasizing simplicity, symmetry, and the use of classical elements like columns and pediments.

1908: Istanbul Grand Post Office Construction

In 1908, the Istanbul Grand Post Office was constructed, representing a shift away from European Neoclassicism toward architectural forms inspired by the Ottoman and Seljuk styles, marking the rise of the First national architecture movement.

1910: Start of Nordic Classicism in Norway

In 1910, the period of Nordic Classicism began in Norway, preceding a transition into Functionalism.

1912: Construction of Bulgur Palas

In 1912, the Bulgur Palas was built, exemplifying the First National Architecture Movement which represented a shift away from European Neoclassicism toward architectural forms inspired by the Ottoman and Seljuk styles.

1919: Turkish War of Independence Start

In 1919, the Turkish War of Independence began, and the First National Architecture Movement continued during this period.

1922: Domvs Romana museum Construction

In 1922, the Domvs Romana museum was built in the neoclassical style, at a time when other architectural styles were becoming more prominent.

1922: Turkish War of Independence End

In 1922, the Turkish War of Independence ended, and the First National Architecture Movement continued after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

1926: Capitolio Nacional Completion

In 1926, the Capitolio Nacional in Bogotá, Colombia, was completed. It was designed by Thomas Reed and exemplifies the introduction of Neoclassicism in New Granada.

1930: Ankara State Art and Sculpture Museum Construction

In 1930, the Ankara State Art and Sculpture Museum was constructed. The First National Architecture Movement remained influential until the early 1930s, after which it gradually declined as modernist styles started being adopted.

1930: End of Nordic Classicism in Norway

In 1930, the period of Nordic Classicism ended in Norway, leading to a transition into Functionalism.

1965: Courts of Justice building Construction Start

In 1965, construction began on the Courts of Justice building in Valletta, one of the few buildings constructed in the neoclassical style during the 20th century.

1971: Courts of Justice building Construction End

In 1971, construction concluded on the Courts of Justice building in Valletta, one of the few buildings constructed in the neoclassical style during the 20th century.

1982: Thesis in Architecture Presentation

In 1982, Silvia Guagliumi presented her thesis in Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, which later served as the foundation for her 2014 publication, "La Villa Archinto a Monza.Analogie con alcuni esempi d'architettura neoclassica in Lombardia".

2014: Publication of 'La Villa Archinto a Monza'

In 2014, Silvia Guagliumi's "La Villa Archinto a Monza.Analogie con alcuni esempi d'architettura neoclassica in Lombardia" was published, based on her thesis from 1982.