About the Artist
Richard Haas
Richard Haas (American, b. 1936) is widely regarded as one of the most influential architectural artists of the late 20th century. Celebrated for his large-scale trompe-l’œil murals and meticulously rendered cityscapes, Haas reinvigorated public art by transforming urban façades into striking illusions that reinterpret historical architecture. His painted interventions—found on buildings throughout the United States and Europe—combine rigorous draftsmanship with a deep knowledge of architectural history.
Raised in Wisconsin, Haas studied at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and later earned an MFA from the University of Minnesota. His early interest in modernist form evolved into a lifelong fascination with classical and Beaux-Arts architecture, which became the foundation of his visual language. By the 1970s, his trompe-l’œil murals had attracted national acclaim, earning him major commissions, including the now-famous painted façades in New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Beyond his architectural murals, Haas is an accomplished printmaker and painter, producing lithographs, etchings, and drawings that explore the geometry and ornament of landmark buildings. His work is represented in numerous public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Honored with prestigious awards such as the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship, Haas continues to influence contemporary architectural visualization. His work appeals to collectors who appreciate craftsmanship, historic architecture, and the interplay between illusion and reality in urban space.
