250 to 250:135. I.M. Pei, Narrated by Billie Tsien

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Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: I.M. Pei, Narrated by Billie Tsien

Billie Tsien is a renowned Chinese-American architect, co-founder of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, National Medal of Arts recipient, and lead designer behind the Obama Presidential Center. Tsien profiles architect I.M. Pei, whose bold geometric designs—from the National Gallery's East Wing to the Louvre pyramid—helped define American modernism.

I. M. Pei was a famous American architect.

• He was born in China and moved to the United States to study architecture.
• He designed modern buildings using simple shapes and lines.
• In 1955, he started his own architecture company.
• He designed homes, office buildings, museums, and government buildings.
• His famous buildings include the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston and Dallas City Hall in Texas.
• He designed the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
• He also designed the famous glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
• His buildings helped change the look of modern cities.
• Pei believed that buildings reflect how people live.
• Pei said, "Architecture is the very mirror of life."

Family Fun:

• The 60 Minutes Interview: I.M. Pei
• Archistudent: I. M. Pei: The Architect Who Changed Modern Architecture Forever
• Biography: I.M. Pei
• I.M. Pei Foundation: Documentary about I.M. Pei's architecture, philosophy and his impact on the world
• NPA: Who Is I. M. Pei? 10 Things to Know
• NPG: In Memoriam: I.M. Pei
• PBS American Masters: I.M. Pei | full documentary
• Showcase: Immortal Designs of I.M. Pei
• US Moderninst: I.M. Pei