It is an Art Deco building that features cathedral-like entrances and is adorned with sculpture and gilding.

Sculptor Lee Lawrie created its decorative scheme, which features polychrome facades adorned with figures symbolizing attributes of insurance: the owl of wisdom, the dog of fidelity, the pelican of charity, the opossum of protection, and the squirrel of frugality.

[3] In 1982, it was acquired and restored by the Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, which in turn relocated in 1999.

In anticipation of its 125th anniversary in 2001, the museum began a capital campaign that collected $240 million in donations.

Gluckman Mayner Architects restored and renovated the historic building, and expanded it with a 59,000-square-foot (5,500 m2) addition.