It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the passing of Frank Gehry – an architectural visionary with whom we collaborated on the Camerimage Łódź Centre project, and who forever transformed our understanding of what architecture can be. This remarkable artist passed away on 5 December 2025 in Santa Monica, at the age of 96.
Photo by Andrzej Lew
Frank Gehry was one of the most important architects of recent decades. His bold, sculptural forms, sweeping lines and pioneering use of materials meant that the buildings he created became icons of contemporary architecture. His works – from the renowned Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles – were never merely structures: they were statements of courage, imagination and artistic expression. Gehry demonstrated that architecture can be movement, emotion and vision; that a building can reshape the way we look at a city and its space.
For us, the organisers of EnergaCAMERIMAGE, working with Frank Gehry was more than a professional undertaking – it was a shared dream of a new chapter in the history of the Festival and in Polish architecture. Together, we developed the concept for the Camerimage Łódź Centre – envisioned not only as the Festival’s future home, but above all as a place that would become a meeting ground for artists, filmmakers and lovers of visual art from across the world.
Camerimage Łódź Center according to the concept by Frank Gehry
Although the project was ultimately not carried out due to decisions taken by the city authorities in Łódź, our enthusiasm never faded, and Frank Gehry – with all his charisma, vision and passion – shared this dream until his final days. Our collaboration gave rise to a genuine, creative bond that became a source of pride and inspiration for us.
The passing of Frank Gehry is a profound loss for us. We have lost not only a great artist and visionary, but also a kindred spirit. His vision of architecture – bold, vibrant and innovative – was closely aligned with the ethos of CAMERIMAGE, whose core mission is to bring the arts together and to create spaces that inspire both creators and audiences.
Frank, thank you for becoming part of our shared dream. Your vision, genius and friendship will remain with us always. We shall miss you deeply.