Guggenheim architect wins top Spanish prize
Frank Gehry, the designer of Spain's iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, was on Wednesday awarded the country's prestigious Prince of Asturias Award For the Arts.
The 85-year-old Canadian-born American beat out 36 candidates from 19 countries to take the prize. By doing so, he became the sixth architect to claim the prize awarded by the Prince of Asturias Foundation.
Gehry's titanium covered Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is his best-known work. Opened in 1997, it has helped breathe new life into the city, drawing millions of visitors every year.
In Spain, Gehry has also designed the Marqués de Riscal hotel in Elciego, also in the Basque Country.
Other high-profile works include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Dancing House in Prague.
Gehry's designs have received over one hundred awards around the world. He has been handed more than a dozen honorary degrees.
Spain's Prince of Asturias Awards are given to individuals and institutions, whose work in cinematography, theatre, dance, music, photography, painting, sculpture, architecture or any other form of artistic expression constitutes an outstanding contribution to the cultural heritage of mankind.
Previous winners include Bob Dylan, Pedro Almodóvar, Woody Allen and Paco de Lucía.
Don't miss stories about Spain, join The Local on Facebook and Twitter.
Comments
See Also
The 85-year-old Canadian-born American beat out 36 candidates from 19 countries to take the prize. By doing so, he became the sixth architect to claim the prize awarded by the Prince of Asturias Foundation.
Gehry's titanium covered Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is his best-known work. Opened in 1997, it has helped breathe new life into the city, drawing millions of visitors every year.
In Spain, Gehry has also designed the Marqués de Riscal hotel in Elciego, also in the Basque Country.
Other high-profile works include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Dancing House in Prague.
Gehry's designs have received over one hundred awards around the world. He has been handed more than a dozen honorary degrees.
Spain's Prince of Asturias Awards are given to individuals and institutions, whose work in cinematography, theatre, dance, music, photography, painting, sculpture, architecture or any other form of artistic expression constitutes an outstanding contribution to the cultural heritage of mankind.
Previous winners include Bob Dylan, Pedro Almodóvar, Woody Allen and Paco de Lucía.
Don't miss stories about Spain, join The Local on Facebook and Twitter.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.