Editing Greek Revival Architecture (section)

== Decline and Legacy ==

Greek Revival began yielding to other styles by the 1850s as tastes shifted toward the picturesque variety of Victorian eclecticism. The style's strict archaeology, which had seemed liberating when introduced, came to appear restrictive as Italianate, Gothic Revival, and other styles offered more varied expression. The Civil War marked a decisive turning point, after which Greek Revival's associations with antebellum culture made it seem outdated. But the style left permanent marks on Philadelphia's architectural identity—the Second Bank, Merchants' Exchange, and Girard College remain landmarks that anchor the city's classical heritage.<ref name="hamlin"/>

Greek Revival's influence extended beyond individual buildings to shape American architectural education and practice. Strickland and Walter trained students who carried Greek principles across the country. The style's insistence on archaeological accuracy established precedents for historically informed design that continued through later revivals. Philadelphia's Greek Revival buildings, many now preserved as museums or adapted for new uses, demonstrate the style's enduring quality—construction solid enough to survive centuries, design elegant enough to remain admired.<ref name="tatum"/>