Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Chicago
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio serves as a monumental piece in the architectural legacy of one of the 20th century's most influential architects. Initially constructed in 1889, this residence and workspace were extensively modified by Wright himself over the years, reflecting his evolving design philosophy. The building, which is furnished with original Wright-designed furniture and textiles, has been meticulously restored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust to mirror its 1909 appearance鈥攖he last year Wright resided there with his family.
The structure itself integrates elements of the Shingle style, popular among the affluent East Coast society and favored by Wright's one-time employer, Joseph Lyman Silsbee. One of the most remarkable spaces within the home is the 1895 playroom designed for his children, which showcases an early use of architectural elements that Wright would refine throughout his career. The playroom features a high, barrel-vaulted ceiling supported by walls of Roman brick, with a central skylight adorned with wood grilles depicting stylized blossoms and seedpods, providing soft, natural light.
In 1898, the addition of a new Studio wing marked a significant expansion of Wright鈥檚 professional capabilities. Financed by a commission from the Luxfer Prism Company, the Studio was strategically positioned facing Chicago Avenue and connected to his residence via a corridor. This new wing included a reception hall that served dual purposes as a waiting area for clients and a space for Wright to discuss plans with contractors. The heart of this addition was the dramatic two-story drafting room, which became the creative epicenter of Wright鈥檚 architectural practice. Here, surrounded by expansive drafting tables and abundant natural light, Wright and his associates crafted designs that would revolutionize American architecture.
Today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is not only a National Historic Landmark but also a key component of the Frank Lloyd Wright鈥揚rairie School of Architecture Historic District. Visitors to the site can experience the intimate spaces where Wright conceived some of his most groundbreaking architectural ideas, making it a pilgrimage site for those captivated by architectural history and Wright鈥檚 enduring influence.
The structure itself integrates elements of the Shingle style, popular among the affluent East Coast society and favored by Wright's one-time employer, Joseph Lyman Silsbee. One of the most remarkable spaces within the home is the 1895 playroom designed for his children, which showcases an early use of architectural elements that Wright would refine throughout his career. The playroom features a high, barrel-vaulted ceiling supported by walls of Roman brick, with a central skylight adorned with wood grilles depicting stylized blossoms and seedpods, providing soft, natural light.
In 1898, the addition of a new Studio wing marked a significant expansion of Wright鈥檚 professional capabilities. Financed by a commission from the Luxfer Prism Company, the Studio was strategically positioned facing Chicago Avenue and connected to his residence via a corridor. This new wing included a reception hall that served dual purposes as a waiting area for clients and a space for Wright to discuss plans with contractors. The heart of this addition was the dramatic two-story drafting room, which became the creative epicenter of Wright鈥檚 architectural practice. Here, surrounded by expansive drafting tables and abundant natural light, Wright and his associates crafted designs that would revolutionize American architecture.
Today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is not only a National Historic Landmark but also a key component of the Frank Lloyd Wright鈥揚rairie School of Architecture Historic District. Visitors to the site can experience the intimate spaces where Wright conceived some of his most groundbreaking architectural ideas, making it a pilgrimage site for those captivated by architectural history and Wright鈥檚 enduring influence.
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Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio on Map
Sight Name: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour
Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy, having long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Holabird & Root, and others. The multi-layered Loop District, in particular, offers an extensive number of Chicago鈥檚 famous architectural 鈥渕ust-sees鈥� 鈥� from modern skyscrapers to historic buildings... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such 鈥渇orever free and open鈥� space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S. Grant.
Popularly referred to as 鈥淐hicago's front lawn,鈥� this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Popularly referred to as 鈥淐hicago's front lawn,鈥� this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
University of Chicago Walking Tour
Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is among the world鈥檚 most prestigious educational institutions. As of 2020, the University鈥檚 students, faculty and staff have included 100 Nobel laureates, giving it the fourth-most affiliated Nobel laureates of any university.
Set in the heart of Chicago鈥檚 famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Set in the heart of Chicago鈥檚 famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront 鈥� for kids as well as adults 鈥� that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a 鈥渢ourist trap鈥�, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago鈥檚 smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you鈥檒l find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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