The global architecture community mourns the passing of Frank Gehry at 96, with particular resonance felt in Abu Dhabi where his final and largest museum project approaches completion. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, currently in its final construction phase on Saadiyat Island, continues its steady progression toward a 2026 opening despite the architect’s absence.
Apostolos Kyriazis, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urbanism at Abu Dhabi University, describes the situation as leaving the monumental project ‘orphaned,’ yet emphasizes that Gehry’s detailed planning ensures the museum’s completion remains uncompromised. ‘His passing will not jeopardise the completion of the museum,’ Kyriazis stated. ‘Gehry was there when needed to conceptualise and elaborate its implementation.’
The design itself represents a profound reinterpretation of Gulf architectural heritage. The structure’s dynamic composition of stacked cones and cubes evokes traditional elements like the burjeel (wind tower) and arish (palm frond courtyard house), creating what Kyriazis characterizes as ‘both light, playful and elegant.’ The museum’s scale already dominates Saadiyat Island’s cultural district, dwarfing neighboring institutions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Beyond physical structures, Gehry’s legacy in the UAE encompasses his transformative influence on architectural education. Kyriazis, who has taught Gehry’s work for years, notes how the architect reshaped how students understand form, space and digital design potential. ‘His buildings dance. They are light, elastic, and swing on the wind,’ he explained. ‘There are no more edges and outlines.’
Global tributes have highlighted Abu Dhabi’s significant place in Gehry’s legacy. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation posted an official tribute stating ‘Frank’s genius magnified the Guggenheim’s mission and showed why museum architecture matters.’ Meanwhile, architect Alex Dantziguian noted the rising Guggenheim Abu Dhabi ‘will stand as a tribute to his work.’
Art journalist Judith Benhamou recalled Gehry’s recent November visit to Abu Dhabi, expressing sadness that he wouldn’t witness the museum’s opening. The architectural visionary’s influence extends beyond physical structures, inspiring what Kyriazis describes as ‘a new generation of dreamers’ who will continue pushing boundaries in design and urban aesthetics.