Remembering Frank Gehry: Ten Landmark L.A. Buildings That Defined The Boundary-Shattering Architect’s Genius

Frank Gehry, the boundary-shattering architect behind the Walt Disney Concert Hall and a generation of Los Angeles landmarks, died Friday, Dec. 5th at his Santa Monica home at age 96 after a brief respiratory illness. A fearless visionary who turned corrugated sheet metal, plywood, and stainless steel into poetry, Gehry spent decades reshaping Los Angeles. His work stretched from bold experiments on humble houses to monumental landmarks like the whimsical Binoculars Building, the wave-evoking Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and the gleaming Disney Concert Hall. His influence went beyond structures. Gehry transformed the way Angelenos think about space, light, and architectural possibility. No architect made Los Angeles feel more imaginative, more expressive, or more like itself. Today, his buildings still look alive, twisting, shimmering, and dancing in California light, a lasting reminder that L.A.’s architecture can be bold and playful. Here are the 10 buildings in Los Angeles that highlight Gehry’s genius vision: 10 Landmark Gehry Buildings in L.A. ----------------------------------- ### 1. Gehry Residence (Santa Monica) His 1978 remodel, with its corrugated metal, chain-link fencing, and raw angles, announced a radical new architectural voice. ### 2. Loyola Law School (Pico-Union) This playful campus, built over many years, is filled with bold shapes and unexpected geometry. ### 3. Spiller House (Venice) This compact beachside duplex uses simple materials, skylights, and rooftop decks to create remarkable light and openness. ### 4. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro) The building’s metal slats echo waves and marine life, providing an early example of Gehry’s expressive approach to public architecture. ### 5. California Aerospace Museum (Exposition Park) Designed for the 1984 Olympics, the museum features striking angular forms and even a suspended jet. ### 6. Norton House (Venice) This colorful, sculptural home incorporates elevated rooms and a studio on pilings to create both privacy and personality. ### 7. Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Library (Hollywood) The library’s strong, fortresslike design brought a sense of calm and order to a chaotic stretch of Hollywood. ### 8. Binoculars Building (Venice) This surreal landmark uses giant binoculars to form the building’s entrance, leading into a sculptural office complex. ### 9. Team Disney Building (Anaheim) This sleek green administrative building demonstrates Gehry’s range beyond Los Angeles’s urban core. ### 10. Walt Disney Concert Hall (Downtown L.A.) The hall’s gleaming stainless-steel curves and world-class acoustics make it his most iconic Los Angeles masterpiece. Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/remembering-frank-gehry-ten-la-buildings-defined-by-his-genius/