Celebration, Florida, was developed by The Walt Disney Company as a experiment in New Urbanism – a planned community that combined modern amenities with small-town charm.

To make it special, Disney CEO Michael Eisner personally hired famous architects like Michael Graves, Robert A.M. Stern, Cesar Pelli, and Philip Johnson to design the public buildings for the small town. Many of these architects were concurrently commissioned for other Disney buildings, resorts, offices, and studios.

Each of the world-renowned architects brought their unique styles & ideas, giving Celebration a distinctive look. Their involvement helped draw attention to Celebration as a model for New Urbanist community design.

The town won the 2001 Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence, described as “without a doubt, the most impressive collection of postmodern architecture in the world.”

TOWN HALL

Philip Johnson was a pioneering architect who shaped post-modern architecture globally. Known for groundbreaking works such as the Seagram Building (co-architect with Mies van der Rohe), Glass House, IDS Center & the AT&T Tower. He introduced innovative designs in the International Style and influenced generations through his bold use of materials and forms. He served as Director of Architecture & Design for MoMA over 4 decades. His post-modern Celebration Town Hall anchors the Market Square with a pyramidal roof supported by 52 thin columns.

BANK OF AMERICA

Charles Moore was a significant postmodern architect known for playful, theatrical, human-centered designs, including Kresge College and New Orlean’s Piazza D’Italia. His work on the Bank of America in Celebration showcased his creativity, the building features an attached observation tower wrapped by an elaborate stair.

POST OFFICE

Michael Graves was a groundbreaking architect known for blending whimsical, almost graphic modernism with classical design. His designs of the Humana Building and Denver Central Library are acclaimed from the time they opened. The Celebration Post Office combines functionality with visually engaging charm. Adjacent to the round entranceway, the building has a unique open-air loggia for accessing post office boxes. Graves also worked with Eisner on the nearby Disney Swan & Dolphin hotels – and the playful Team Disney headquarters in Burbank, California.

MOVIE THEATER

César Pelli, was a prolific architect and known for innovative skyscrapers like the Petronas Twin Towers, IFC Towers, Bloomberg Tower, and Salesforce Tower . In Celebration, he designed the charming lakeside movie theater, blending Art Deco & Googie-inspired elements with small town community charm. Many consider it Celebration’s brightest architectural jewel.

BANK OF CELEBRATION

Robert Venturi was a pivotal figure in postmodern architecture, celebrated for his playful and innovative designs. His famous works include the Vanna Venturi House and Philadelphia’s historic Franklin Court. In Celebration, he designed the Truist Bank, showcasing his signature mix of classical elements and modern creativity. Venturi also designed the nearby Walt Disney World district Fire Station & Gas Station.

CELEBRATION HOTEL

Graham Gund is an influential architect known for his elegant, human-centered designs. His work emphasizes comfort, community, and aesthetics, contributing to the town’s unique architectural and cultural identity. In Celebration, he designed the lakeside Celebration Hotel, blending classical and contemporary styles.

CELEBRATION SCHOOL

Graham Gund also designed the Celebration School and the nearby Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World.

HOSPITAL

Robert A.M. Stern is a renowned architect known for blending traditional and modern styles, reflecting his commitment to timeless, community-focused design that harmonizes architecture with its surroundings. His most famous works include the Norman Rockwell Museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, 15 Central Park West, and several college campuses.

In Celebration, he served as lead planner and designer of the town’s master plan and created the sprawling AdventHealth / Celebration Hospital campus. The town is considered one of his legacy projects in support of his New Urbanist ideals.

For Disney, Stern also designed the nearby Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort and the whimsical Disney Animation Building in Burbank CA.

OFFICE PARK

Aldo Rossi was a renowned architect and theorist celebrated for his minimalist and deeply symbolic designs. His famous works include the Teatro del Mondo in Venice and Scholastic Building in NYC. For Celebration Place, Rossi designed offices featuring his distinctive, geometric style, reflecting his focus on blending functionality with artistic expression, leaving a timeless architectural legacy. The offices serve as headquarters for nearby Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts Disney Cruise Lines.

GOLF COURSE

Celebration Golf Club was co-designed by the renowned father-son duo of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Together, they designed over 500 courses, including parts of Augusta National, Spyglass Hill at Pebble Beach, and a putting green at the White House for Dwight Eisenhower. The Celebration golf course is among Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” (4.5 stars, since 2004), and Golf World Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award as among the Top 25 Public Courses in the USA.