Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House — Attraction in Buffalo

We've toured numerous museums around the world, including some of the top Frank Lloyd Wright destinations. The reason for my relatively low grade is due to the experience related to the people working here. The home itself is worth seeing, based on the historic architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright, in general. The tour itself was surprisingly limited, seeing only the main ground level of the living space and the nearby carriage house which unfortunately has been turned into a gift shop. Upon arrival at the guest house, a woman at the front desk told us that she'd "strongly suggest we use the restrooms" before the tour. OK, as an adult, I have figured out how to make that decision. I asked her somewhat sarcastically if it was mandatory, but she kept at it. A well-done orientation film is part of the beginning of the tour. Afterward, a tour guide said nothing to say "welcome" or to essentially make us feel welcome. That was the vibe she gave for the entire tour. As someone who has devoted much of my adult life to volunteering, I appreciate when people give of their time. But this particular guide really is out of place working with members of the general public. Perhaps if we had interacted with other people, we would have had better experiences, but that was the luck of the draw this particular day. I see other guests have had comparable observations and experiences. I'd urge the management, including board members, to be more attentive to the quality of the...

We enjoyed the basic tour (2 options avl: basic is 75 minutes and premium is 120 minutes). We didn't ask what the difference between the 2 tours was, but since 75 minutes fit into our schedule, we chose it. It was an interesting tour and the tour guides were quite knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. I would like to view the gardens in late spring or summer as the grounds appear to be meticulously maintained. We visited on April 1(too early for blossoms) and it was snowing and quite windy. Photos are only permitted while OUTSIDE or inside the conservatory. No photos allowed inside the house whatsoever. A short (8 minute) and informative movie started off the tour that provided a background on the relationship between Wright and Martin. The attention to detail and design of the home was exclusively Frank Lloyd Wright, including the furniture throughout the home. There were many references to the rather large basement which was supposedly used for some entertaining, however, that is only viewable with the premium tour. In our opinion, the basement should be included in the basic tour since it is referenced throughout the basic tour. At the very least, it should be identified in advance of purchasing your ticket so as a consumer you are aware of that option and make an informed decision. Very clean reception area, well maintained restrooms and...

What can I say that hasn't been said? We plan vacations around Wright sites so obviously this is the view through Wright colored glasses. I followed the restoration process for 25 years so when I heard it was "done" it was time to shuffle off to Buffalo. For the record it's not done, the up stairs is a work in progress that I was not aware of, guess I wasn't following close enough, but that is certainly not a reason to wait any longer and the implications of having the masterpiece in the revenue stream to fund further renovations is certainly justification for giving tours. Our docent was very knowledgeable and attentive to history and details. Being a life long student of Mr. Wright few things annoy me more than paying the price of admission only to hear an ill informed volunteer recite alternate "facts" seemingly unaware that many of us are well aware of the basics. There are after all books, and I hear the internet contains a wealth of knowledge, obviously all of which is true I've been told. All in all I surprised myself. I am primarily a student and a proponent of the later period of Mr. Wright's career, the Usonian/ mid century modern era but true to the genius that is Mr. Wright this masterpiece is worthy of your undivided attention if you happen to be anywhere...