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A textbook example of the neoclassicism popular after the Chicago Fair of 1893, Cary designed the building in the Neo-classical style with the eight-columned south portico representing a 3/4 scale version of the great Doric Parthenon in Athens, Greece overlooking "Gala Waters" (Olmsted's name for the lake in Delaware Park). American Exposition of 1901 at a cost of $375,000. Built of Vermont marble. 1925-1929 the building was enlarged by the addition of identical wings on the east and west sides, work that was also entrusted to Cary. The sculpture in the south facade pediment represents the forces of civilization and was carved by Charles N. Neihaus, who did the equally academic statue of "Lincoln, the Emancipator," dedicated in 1902, on the portico steps. For thirty years this statue was located in the Grand Court inside the Historical Building before being placed on the south portico steps.

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