NEW YORK — The New York based architect, who designed the Cleveland Museum of Art, has passed away.
78-year-old Rafael Viñoly, the founder of Rafael Viñoly Architects died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 2.
Rafael Viñoly Architects shared the news in a Facebook post on Friday evening from Rafael Viñoly's son, Román Viñoly.
The Cleveland Museum of Art was one of many iconic structures that Rafael Viñoly designed. His other works included the Tokyo International Forum, the Carrasco Airport in Montevideo and 20 Fenchurch Street in London.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Feb. 5, 2023, in an unrelated story.
The full statement can be read below:
On behalf of my family, my co-workers and our many partners throughout the world, I am saddened to report that my father, the founder and namesake of our firm Rafael Viñoly Architects, passed away unexpectedly yesterday, 2nd of March, at the age of 78. He was a visionary who will be missed by all those whose lives he touched through his work.
He leaves a rich legacy of distinctive and timeless designs that manifested in some of the world's most recognizable and iconic structures, among them the Tokyo International Forum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Carrasco Airport in Montevideo, and 20 Fenchurch Street in London. The firm's partners and directors, many of whom have collaborated with him for decades, will extend his architectural legacy in the work we will continue to perform every day.
Quote from Jay Bargmann VP of Rafael Viñoly Architects "I'm incredibly proud of the integrity of the work our team has produced over many decades and on very complex projects, and I am honored and humbled by our team's unwavering commitment during this profound time of loss."
A memorial service in New York is being planned. We will advise on that in the coming days.