Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Philip Johnson Obituary

JOHNSON-Philip. In a statement today (27), Thomas J. Pritzker, president of The Hyatt Foundation, expressed the sadness of the jurors of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, as well as the Pritzker family, over the death of Philip Johnson. ``Philip Johnson was the first Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate in 1979,'' said Pritzker, ``and the jury praised him for his work as a critic and historian who not only championed the cause of modern architecture, but went on to design some of the 20th Century's great buildings. At that time, he was being honored for 50 years of imaginative and vital structures. His career continued undiminished for another quarter of a century.'' When Mr. Johnson accepted the Pritzker Prize, he thanked The Hyatt Foundation ``in the name of all the architects of the world.'' He called the moment ``a symbol of impending change...'' marking the end of second class status of the visual arts and architecture. Pritzker added, ``We are grateful that as the first Pritzker Laureate, Philip became an inspiration for the field of architecture. We are also grateful to have had his guidance and vision as a member of the jury from 1980 through 1985.''

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Johnson

18 Entries

John Milton Jr.

May 3, 2009

I just saw "Sketches of Frank Gehry" and now feel very sade that mister Johnson is no more. I had no Idea. Now years later it's weird signing this, but i think he was a great person.

Miracle

June 21, 2008

I sorry to hear about your lost and I would like to share with the family a comforting scripture at John11:25" Jesus said I am the resurrction and the life he that exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life.

ienne valentine

April 23, 2008

I just learned about him today but I immediately fell in love with his ideas.

He truly is a genius.

phil vaughan

August 23, 2007

Philip Johnsom's glass house is pure inspiration.

John Washburn

June 15, 2006

Inspired deeply by Philip Johnson, first in person at the dedication of the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove Californina 1980. Secondly, visually as I attended and served weekly at the Crystal Cathedral from 1983-1999.

With loving sympathy,

John A. Washburn

susan kingwill

January 30, 2005

Living in Houston for the first 40 years of my life and having a grandfather that was an architect, Philip Johnson was a household name in architecture. Thanks , Mr. Johnson for inspiring my love for non-conventional design.

Jerry O'Keefe

January 30, 2005

Kindest regards and sympathy
Jerry and Martha O'Keefe

Richard Zelig

January 29, 2005

Diane Arbeit and I have the good fortune to own the Benjamin Wolf house - Newburgh, NY designed by Mr. Johnson. Every day in this house is most thrilling due to its unique relationship with the environment. His vision of a residence to incorporate the beauty of the Hudson Valley is as timely today as it was in 1949 when the house was completed. It is our hope that future generations will bestow on these 20th century treasures the care and preservation they rightly deserve.

Thank you Mr. Johnson for enriching our lives.

Our sincerest condolences to Mr. David Whitney, Mrs. John Dempsey, and family.

Samantha Flick

January 29, 2005

I am just a pre-teen but I have studied Philip Johnson at school and at home. He did marveolous things.(Plus, I want to be just like him.)

Philip Johnson has played an enormous role in both understanding and creating the urban skylines of the country. As historian, curator, and practicing architect he has had a formative effect on generations of architects.

Len Redding

January 28, 2005

Having been attending a training converence at the Crystal Cathedral when learning of Philip Johnson's death, I had opportunity to take another look at the wonder he had designed. More than a glass box, it is a marvel of functional beauty.

L Redding, Missouri

Ulises Peinado

January 28, 2005

Here is a man whose life journey was inspir-ed and inspir-ing. We should also see to it that the International style, MOMA and the glass house are perpetuated. With regards to his legacy, the "modern" should be recognized as "historic".

Omar Take

January 28, 2005

In 1980 I had the great privilege to be invited for lunch at the Four Seasons restaurant designed by the late Sir Philip Johnson at the Seagram Building where he had his office together with my boss and mentor Profesor Kenzo Tange and his son Paul. Sir Philip had a great sense of humour and we had the most enjoyable conversation about post-modern Architecture that he seemed to be enjoying so much at the time - he asked Professor Tange to open an office in New York and he told us how much he loved working in that great City and the fact that he disliked traveling and refused so many foreign jobs because of that! I admired his work so much because it reflected his generosity and positive thinking - his buildings are full of joy and beauty reflecting the simplicity and dignity of his personality. I cherish very much a picture of that moment that I post here with sadness and joy in the memory of one of the great masters of the 20th century.

Omar Take

M.Arch.A.S. M.I.T. 1974

Cynthia Powwrs

January 27, 2005

Truely one of the best in his field and no one will stand next in line.He will be sadly missed im sure, and now is looking down from heaven with the same smile on his kind face.My prayers go out to his family and friends.God bless

Bob Stewart

January 27, 2005

A few years ago, while I was viewing the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth's exhibition showing Tadao Ando's conceptural drawings for its new museum, I found myself shoulder to shoulder with an older man with round black rimmed glasses. As a student of architecture, I certainly knew who Phillip Johnson was, but I didn't realize until hours later, that he was standing right next to me. I will forever regret this missed opportunity of a lifetime, to engage this pioneering icon in a most memorable conversation about architecture.

Wanisha

January 27, 2005

It's truly a great loss for the architecture field. He contributed so much and served as a inspiration for many. During his many years on the earth he was able to witness a lot of changes, ones that he added to. How wonder to think about the hope we have to look forward to. The day when Job 33:25 is fulfilled where it says, "Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor." The most high God promises to restore those to perfect health. May Jehovah's words serve as a comfort to the family.

Aileen Arbuso

January 27, 2005

The Glass House was a true inspiration. People need to think about that saying. He was a genious. I will never forget him. May God bless his family and friends.

Christine Peterman

January 26, 2005

As an architecture student I was so inspired by his innovative approach and complete immersion in the craft.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results