Peek inside Frank Gehry's Colburn expansion, under construction in Downtown LA

Downtown Los Angeles is preparing to welcome a significant cultural addition with the upcoming completion of Frank Gehry’s latest project: an expansive new building for the Colburn School. Scheduled to open on September 25, 2027, this 100,000-square-foot expansion will introduce a fresh performance hall and dedicated dance facilities, enhancing the city’s vibrant arts district along Grand Avenue.

This new structure marks the final Gehry-designed contribution to the Downtown LA landscape, joining the architect’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Grand nearby. Unlike some of Gehry’s more flamboyant works, this project adopts a more subdued architectural language. The building’s design features a series of interlocking glass and opaque volumes that step gently along the site, avoiding a massive monolithic presence. The composition includes a prominent glass-encased main entrance, while landscaped gardens are incorporated both at street level and on the rooftop, providing green spaces accessible to visitors and performers.

A distinctive feature of the exterior is its finish, known as “Pink Kandi.” This unique surface treatment was developed in collaboration with Sherwin-Williams and Gehry Partners, drawing inspiration from the high-gloss aesthetic typical of automotive paint. The custom fluoropolymer resin-based coating gives the building an elegant yet modern sheen, subtly reflecting the surrounding urban environment.

At the heart of the expansion lies the Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, a new 1,000-seat venue designed to accommodate a diverse range of artistic productions. The concert hall boasts a circular configuration and is equipped with adjustable acoustic elements suspended above the stage and audience, allowing for tailored sound experiences suited to orchestral performances, opera, dance, jazz, and other large-scale events. This adaptability ensures the venue can serve multiple disciplines within the performing arts.

Complementing the Kohl Hall, the project includes a state-of-the-art Dance Center featuring four professional-sized studios and an intimate 100-seat studio theater. These facilities will support both student training and public performances, expanding the Colburn School’s capacity to cultivate dance talent and present innovative productions.

Acoustic and theatrical design expertise again comes from longstanding collaborators Nagata Acoustics and TheatreDNA, ensuring that the new spaces meet the highest standards for performance quality. The team’s involvement reflects a continuity of excellence consistent with previous Gehry projects in the area.

Construction progress points toward substantial completion by summer 2027, aligning with the planned opening events that will kick off with a week-long festival of performances. The timing also coincides with the start of the 2027–28 academic year, when the Dance Center will officially welcome students and faculty.

This addition further cements Grand Avenue’s status as a cultural corridor in Los Angeles, where Gehry’s architectural footprint continues to shape the city’s artistic infrastructure. The expanded Colburn campus will not only serve as a hub for music and dance education but also enrich the community’s access to world-class performances and artistic experiences.

While detailed programming for the inaugural festival remains forthcoming, the project’s completion is poised to elevate Downtown LA’s cultural offerings and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of this dynamic urban district. As the city’s arts scene grows increasingly interconnected, Gehry’s final Downtown venture stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between innovative architecture and performing arts excellence.