Frank Gehry, Iconic Architect, Passes Away at 96 in Santa Monica

UPDATE: World-renowned architect and designer Frank Gehry has died at the age of 96 after a brief respiratory illness. He passed away on Friday at his home in Santa Monica, California, confirmed Meaghan Lloyd, chief of staff at Gehry Partners LLP.

Gehry’s death marks the loss of a visionary who transformed the architectural landscape. Known for his imaginative designs, he created iconic structures like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and Berlin’s DZ Bank Building. His legacy includes a commitment to innovative architecture that frequently drew upon modern pop art, captivating the world with his unique approach.

Born on February 28, 1929, in Toronto, Gehry moved to Los Angeles in 1947. He faced early career challenges, working various jobs, including a delivery truck driver, before achieving fame. His breakthrough came with the design of a shopping mall overlooking the Santa Monica Pier, which showcased his radical style that would later define his career.

Gehry’s accomplishments were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Pritzker Prize, the highest honor in architecture, awarded for his “refreshingly original and totally American” work. He also received accolades like the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal and the Americans for the Arts lifetime achievement award.

Despite his acclaim, Gehry’s work was not without controversy. Critics occasionally dismissed his projects as eccentric or impractical, yet he continued to push boundaries. His design for the IAC Building in New York City, completed in 2007, reflects his daring vision, taking the form of a shimmering beehive. The New York By Gehry building, once one of the tallest residential structures in the world, opened in 2011 and reshaped the Manhattan skyline.

Gehry remained active in architecture well into his 90s, teaching at institutions like the University of Southern California, Yale, and Columbia University. His designs, while celebrated, also sparked debate, with some critics labeling them “oppressive” or overly complex.

The architect famously appeared as himself in a 2005 episode of “The Simpsons,” humorously addressing critics of his style. He once claimed, “Some people think I actually do that,” reflecting his playful engagement with both fans and detractors.

Gehry’s enduring influence will be felt worldwide, with his Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, expected to open in 2026, set to become the largest Guggenheim globally.

Survived by his wife, Berta, and children Brina, Alejandro, and Samuel, Gehry’s legacy is firmly cemented in the buildings he designed and the lives he touched. His impactful designs, characterized by their artistic flair, will continue to inspire future generations of architects.

As tributes pour in from around the globe, the architectural world mourns the loss of a true innovator whose work transcended traditional boundaries, shaping the future of modern architecture.