Construction has begun on Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a performing arts venue designed by Frank Gehry before his death last year. The building joins Gehry's Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, extending the legendary architect's legacy in the Gulf emirate even after his passing.
Gehry, who died in 2024 at age 91, left behind a roster of unfinished projects across the globe. Dar al Funoon represents one of his final commissions, a testament to his enduring influence on contemporary architecture. The venue's construction milestone marks a significant moment for Abu Dhabi's cultural infrastructure, which has emerged as a destination for star-architect commissions over the past two decades.
Saadiyat Island itself functions as a cultural anchor for the emirate, housing museums and performance spaces designed by internationally renowned architects. Gehry's dual presence on the island through both the Guggenheim and this new performing arts center underscores Abu Dhabi's investment in securing marquee names for its most prominent cultural projects.
The news appears in Dezeen Agenda, the architecture and design publication's weekly newsletter, which tracks major construction starts and project developments across the built environment. The announcement signals forward momentum on one of Gehry's final major works, ensuring his architectural vision continues to shape skylines and cultural spaces posthumously.