Frederick M. Nicholas passed away on June 28, 2025 at the age of 105, leaving behind a profound legacy in the arts, law, and civic life of Los Angeles. Long known as "Mr. Downtown Culture" for his role in building MOCA, the Geffen Contemporary, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the founding of Public Counsel, the Nation's largest public interest law firm, Frederick M. Nicholas has combined a successful legal career with a heavy real estate involvement to become an institution builder in the arts in Los Angeles.
Fred Nicholas and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi at the 2024 Public Counsel William O. Douglas Award Dinner
Fred Nicholas, Walt Disney Concert Hall grand opening, 2003.
Fred Nicholas and his family with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi at the 2024 Public Counsel William O. Douglas Award Dinner
Fred Nicholas, Walt Disney Concert Hall grand opening, 2003.
Walt Disney Concert Hall ground breaking, 1992.
MOCA Museum Director Richard Koshalek and Fred Nicholas, 1986.
Fred Nicholas with Richard Koshalek and Arata Isosaki, Japan 1984.
Fred Nicholas, Administrator, The Sam Francis Estate, 2003.