Exterior view

The greatest effect of the Greek Revival movement was felt in the new public buildings of the fast-growing cities. In this case, monumental temple forms were intended to express dignity and authority in governmental buildings, or learning and intellectual grandeur in cultural institutions.

Authoritative porticoes, pedimented fa�ades, and rows of columns remained the chief characteristic of government buildings right down to the gigantic St. George’s Hall in the prosperous industrial city of Liverpool, designed 1839-41 by Harvey Londsdale Elmes and completed only in 1856 by Charles Robert Cockerell.