What Is Rococo Architecture?

Rococo architecture (or Late Baroque) emerged between 1720 and 1730 in Paris as a reaction to the strict confines of Baroque architecture and Louis XIV's strict ideas about what constituted art. Rococo architecture is known for its highly ornate, theatrical, over-the-top style embraced by the French for its scandalous expression of art.

The style spread throughout France and elsewhere in Europe until it was succeeded by Neoclassical architecture. Learn more about the history and key characteristics of Rococo architecture below.

History of Rococo Architecture

Rococo architecture, art, and design were born in Paris not long after the death of Louis XIV in reaction to Baroque architecture such as the Palace of Versailles and the Sun King’s preferred grandiose French classical art. In this new era, Parisians returned to the city from Versailles and started renovating their homes with a freer, more lighthearted spirit.

Rococo architecture coincided with the reign of France’s King Louis XV (1715-1774). Rococo style was popular when decorating salons used to entertain guests, and became the height of fashion beginning in the 1720s. Playful and exuberant, Rococo is a wedding cake of a style, with a delicate, pastel-hued, and—what has long been for better or worse thought of as—classically softer, inviting allure in part to counterbalance the imposing aesthetic that dominated the reign of Louis XIV. 

Rococo interiors were highly cohesive, with interior architecture, design, furniture, and art all sharing common characteristics. The Rococo salon was its own aesthetic universe, where wall treatments, painted ceilings, sculpture, art, and decorative elements worked to create a high-spirited, light, and frothy atmosphere that made them perfect backdrops for high-minded aristocrats looking to entertain and impress their guests. 

Rococo style spread throughout France and Europe, to countries including Austria, Germany, Italy, and Russia. Largely considered Baroque’s last hurrah, Rococo’s vivacious spirit eventually died down around 1770 having been succeeded by the decidedly more constrained Neoclassical style. 

Key Characteristics of Rococo Architecture

Rococo architecture is considered an embellished, decorative, and theatrical style. Here are some of the features that you could expect to find in rococo-style interiors:

• Decorative elements that incorporated curves and counter curves, as well as asymmetrical forms based on the shape of S’s and C’s
• Influenced by the natural world, decorative elements often emulated the look of shells, pebbles, flowers, birds, vines, and leaves such as acanthus
• Imagery around angels, musical instruments, pagodas, and dragons
• Decorative flourishes such as frescoes, sculpted moldings, scrolls, and copious gilding
• Mixed wood types and tones, painted and unpainted
• Use of trompe-l'œil on ceilings and often painted to look like the sky
• Interiors featured a light, pastel palette including light pinks, yellows, and blues
• Mirrored glass, crystal chandeliers, gilded wall sconces, stucco ornaments, and boiserie (wood paneling)

Notable Examples of Rococo Architecture

Hotel de Soubise in Paris, France. The interior of the Hotel de Soubise at the National Archives complex in the Marais neighborhood of Paris is a hidden jewel and one of France’s best examples of Rococo style. Redecorated by Germain Boffrand in the 1730s, these exquisite rooms include former prince and princess apartments with oval-shaped salons that feature exquisite boiserie, painted ceilings, and carved, gilded, and mirrored details. These breathtaking rooms which have stayed authentic to their 18th-century aesthetics were among the film locations for Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film about the life of Marie Antoinette. 

Salon de Monsieur le Prince in Chantilly, France. Decorated by Jean Aubert and completed in 1722, the Salon de Monsieur le Prince in the Petit Château at Chantilly, north of Paris is another stunning example of fine Rococo architecture. 

Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, Germany. This magnificent palace, the former home of Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen consort in Prussia, is the city’s largest palace, and its Rococo style helps make it a popular tourist attraction. 

Amalienburg in Munich, Germany. The Amalienburg hunting lodge at the Nymphenburg Palace Park in Munich was designed by François Cuvilliés between 1734 and 1739. It is a splendid example of the Rococo style with rooms such as the spectacular Hall of Mirrors (top photo) designed by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

What is the Difference Between Baroque and Rococo? 

Rococo architecture is a form of Baroque architecture that emerged in the 18th century in Paris and spread throughout France and Europe. Also known as the Late Baroque or Rocaille style, Rococo is a more joyful style of architecture than Baroque but has its own brand of flamboyant and intricate detailing.

What Ended the Rococo Style? 

The flamboyant Rococo style was supplanted by Neoclassical architecture characterized by grand-scale, simple geometric forms; Greek (especially Doric) or Roman details, dramatic columns, and blank walls. 

What is the Opposite of the Rococo Style?

The opposite of the Rococo style is the Neoclassical style which emerged during the revival of Classical Greek and Roman architecture around 1750 and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The style's simplicity was a reaction to the excesses of the Rococo style.