Renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry passes away at the age of 96

Frank Gehry, a towering figure in modern American architecture, passed away on Friday at his Los Angeles residence after a short battle with respiratory illness, according to his chief of staff. He was 96 years old.

Celebrated for his bold and imaginative designs, Gehry became one of the most recognizable architects since Frank Lloyd Wright. He was an early adopter of computer-aided design, which allowed him to develop a unique architectural language marked by dynamic, playful, and unexpected forms.

His landmark creation, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, remains a defining achievement. Covered in shimmering titanium, the building transformed the cityscape along the Nervin River and earned global praise upon its 1997 opening. This project sparked what became known as the "Bilbao effect," where struggling cities sought rejuvenation through striking, avant-garde architecture. As noted by critic Rowan Moore in 2019, the museum stands as the icon of what would be called iconic architecture.

Among his other renowned works are the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, completed in 2003; Miamis New World Center, finalized in 2011; and the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, which opened in 2014, celebrated for its light, airy, and sculptural design.

Further details on his life and legacy are forthcoming.

Author: Noah Whitman