Let's soothe some nerves here (particularly mine).
The English Poplars along the Parkway itself were not cut down at all. They're still around.
The ones that were, were the ones along 21st street, at the construction entrance. This also happens to be the side where the museum will be closest to the curb line and thus where the trees had to be cut down in any case. Previous posts here implied that
all of the English Poplars on the site were cut down; these posts are misleading.
Also, façade sections are up near the Parkway/21st corner. The exterior will look real legit.
How do I know? Because I went by there this afternoon and took pictures. A lot of pictures.
They'll be up when I upload them.