Jewish Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry dies aged 96
Born Frank Goldberg, the architect's famous designs include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles
Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry has died aged 96.
Gehry died on Friday morning in Santa Monica, according to his chief of staff Meaghan Lloyd.
The award-winning architect was known for his imaginative designs which included the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Berlin’s DZ Bank Building.
Born on February 28 1929 in Toronto as Frank Goldberg, he moved to Los Angeles in 1947 with his family before he went on to get his bachelor of architecture degree at the University of Southern California. In the 1950s, he changed his surname from Goldberg to Gehry in response to his then-wife expressed concerns about antisemitism.
His career spanned over six decades with designs for both public and private buildings around the world.
Incorporating distorted and fragmented shapes and materials, his work consistently placed a focus on the surrounding environment, ensuring it complemented the wider context and culture.
Over his career he was awarded a range of prizes, including some of the highest honours in the industry such as the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989 and later the distinguished Gold Medal for Architecture from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2000.
Gehry’s work and influence was also recognised by governments and institutions around the world.
In 2003 Gehry was designated a Companion to the Order of Canada and was also inducted into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts by the European Union.
Three years later he was given the distinction of Chevalier and in 2014 was elevated to the rank of Commandeur of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, which is the highest honour in France for military and civil merits.
In 2016 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Barack Obama.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
