Renowned Lighting Designer Paul Marantz, Visionary Behind Iconic Spaces, Passes Away at 87

Paul Marantz, a distinguished architectural lighting designer renowned for illuminating a diverse range of spaces—from disco floors to iconic skylines, libraries to luxury hotels—passed away on May 26 at his Manhattan residence. He was 87 years old.

His wife, Jane Marantz, confirmed that complications from a stroke were the cause of his death.

Often dubbed the 'Prince of Darkness' within industry circles, Marantz's work spanned an impressive array of projects around the globe.

Collaborating frequently with partners such as Charles Stone and Tony Award-winning lighting designer Jules Fisher, his portfolio included new architectural landmarks like the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery in London (1991), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland (1995), the Getty Center in Los Angeles (1997), the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar (2008), and the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia (2012), alongside numerous restorations of historic venues.

Marantz contributed to the lighting designs for major renovations including Carnegie Hall (1987), Grand Central Terminal (1998), the Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library (1998), and David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center (2022). He also left his mark on New York’s vibrant nightlife with lighting for Studio 54 (1977) and the Palladium (1985), as well as designing the illumination for the Times Square Ball during the New Year’s Eve countdown in Manhattan (1999).