meanwhile, back at wyman park, prominent architect john russell pope (1874–1937) was engaged to design the museum's permanent home. with his years of study in europe, pope is considered to be the main examplar of the classical revival style that proved so popular with traditional american architects. he is credited with a number of major buildings along the american east coast and abroad, including the national archives building in washington, new york's american museum of natural history, and the tate gallery sculpture hall in london. his distinct brand of classicism, both serene and monolithic, was perhaps the perfect choice for such an ambitious project.