Photo: Bernard Gotfryd, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Who he is:
I. M. Pei was a Chinese-American architect known for iconic modern landmarks, including the glass pyramid at the Louvre, the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. He received the Pritzker Prize and numerous other honors.
Why he matters:
Pei combined bold geometry with deep respect for place and history, showing students that problem-solving and creativity can reshape city skylines—and how new and old can live side by side.
Spotlight Resources
Learn More About I. M. Pei
Go deeper with these hand-picked resources. Each one is selected by our team of educators to connect kids to this career through real stories and hands-on learning.
I.M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture
Why We Picked It
This detailed portrait reveals how I. M. Pei balanced innovation with respect for tradition to create buildings that endure and inspire.
I.M. Pei: Architect Of Time, Place And Purpose
Why We Picked It
This biography helps young readers understand how architecture connects art, history, and humanity across cultures and generations.
I am I. M. Pei (Ordinary People Change the World)
Why We Picked It
This inspiring biography celebrates how curiosity, cultural pride, and creative courage shaped one architect's extraordinary vision for the world.
