Paul Cret was a prominent architect and educator known for his contributions to American architecture in the early 20th century. Born in France in 1876, he later moved to the United States, where he became a key figure in the Beaux-Arts style. Cret designed several notable buildings, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania's Fisher Fine Arts Library. In addition to his architectural work, Cret was a dedicated professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he influenced many students and future architects. His designs often blended classical elements with modern needs, leaving a lasting impact on the architectural landscape in the United States.