An extraordinary piece of design history made its mark at Freeman’s on July 15, 2026, when Icehenge, the monumental glass desk by legendary architect Frank Gehry (1929–2025), sold for $243,200, establishing a world auction record for a work of design by the artist.
Originally commissioned for the lobby of Chicago’s iconic Inland Steel Building, Icehenge (2012) is a remarkable 16-piece composition of molten cast glass. Weighing approximately 15,000 pounds and reaching six feet in height, its jagged, glacier-like forms capture and refract light through layers of pale green glass, creating an almost otherworldly sculptural presence.
Conceived as a reception desk, the work transcends its functional purpose, occupying the fascinating space between furniture, sculpture and architecture. Fabricated by John Lewis Glass Studio in Oakland, California, it reflects Gehry’s extraordinary ability to transform industrial materials into expressive works of art.
Surpassing its $100,000–$200,000 estimate following spirited online bidding, the result underscores the growing international appetite for exceptional collectible design and museum-quality works. Equally exciting, the new owner is committed to maintaining public access to Icehenge and is considering a potential museum or institutional loan.
A landmark result for Freeman’s, and a fitting tribute to one of architecture’s most visionary creative minds.
#Freemans #FrankGehry #Icehenge #CollectibleDesign #DesignAuction #AuctionRecord #ContemporaryDesign #Architecture #ArtMarket #ChicagoArchitecture #MuseumQuality