Binoculars Building

Frank Gehry · Venice · 2001

Binoculars Building
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The ultimate collaboration between starchitect and pop artist.

Urban building in Venice, California in the shape of binoculars.

Featured in Frank Gehry's definitive monograph, Building Art: Life and Work of Frank Gehry.

Visitor Guide

Visitor Tip

You can drive through the binoculars! They serve as the functional entrance to the building's parking garage.

Best Photo Spot

Across Main Street in Venice, looking straight on to capture the three distinct facades: white, binoculars, and copper.

Access & Hours

Private office (occupied by Google); exterior viewing is encouraged from the public sidewalk.

Insider Note

The binoculars were designed by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen and contain two small, functional conference rooms inside the tubes.

Time Needed

30 minutes

Design & Structure

FreeformDouble-CurvedRecursive / Self-similar
Computational Process

A deconstructivist mix of three distinct styles, requiring careful spatial coordination between Gehry’s office and the artists' studio.

Materiality

Concrete, lead-coated copper, and the smooth-finished surface of the binoculars sculpture.

Structural Innovation

The binoculars are a load-bearing sculpture integrated into the office building's concrete frame, challenging the division between art and structure.

See Together

Buildings that pair well with Binoculars Building — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed Binoculars Building?+

Binoculars Building was designed by Frank Gehry and completed in 2001. It is located in Venice, United States.

Where is Binoculars Building located?+

Binoculars Building is located in Venice, United States. Its coordinates are 33.9953°, -118.4770°.

When was Binoculars Building built?+

Binoculars Building was completed in 2001. It was designed by Frank Gehry.

Can I visit Binoculars Building?+

Binoculars Building is a real building in Venice that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.