I recently visited the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and it was an exceptional experience, deserving a full 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Firstly, the architecture is breathtaking. As a Frank Lloyd Wright creation, the building itself is a masterpiece. The design elements, from the intricate details in the stained glass to the unique use of space and light, are quintessentially Wright. Walking through the home and studio, you get a real sense of Wright's innovative and forward-thinking approach to architecture.
The guided tour was a major highlight. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, not only about the architecture but also about Wright's life and the historical context in which he worked. The anecdotes and insights provided a deeper understanding and appreciation of each room and design element. The tour was engaging and informative, suitable for both those familiar with Wright's work and newcomers.
The preservation efforts are commendable. It's clear that great care has been taken to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the space. Seeing Wright's workspace preserved as he used it was particularly fascinating, offering a glimpse into his creative process.
The gift shop was a delight as well. It had a great selection of Wright-related merchandise, from books and postcards to more unique items. It's a great spot to pick up a souvenir or gift for an architecture enthusiast.
Accessibility was well-handled, with clear signage and helpful staff to assist visitors. The Home and Studio is located in a charming neighborhood, adding to the overall experience of the visit.
If I had to point out any negatives, it would be that photography is restricted inside the home and studio. However, this policy is understandable given the need to preserve the historic interiors.
In conclusion, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, design, or history. The combination of the stunning space, insightful tour, and well-curated gift shop makes for a perfect rating. It's a truly inspiring and educational experience that I...
Read moreI was wandering aimlessly through Chicago when I stumbled upon the house Frank Lloyd Wright grew up in along with one of his first workspaces. It is now a museum open to the public.
This is a controversial take, but the Fountainhead is my favorite book of all time and Frank Lloyd Wright was a major inspiration for the novel, so I had to pop in. I was SO excited. Sometimes I feel like the universe just throws you treats when you’re living right.
I entered and realized you could only see the home and workspace if you booked a guided tour. When I inquired about a tour, they said they had no spots left for the day. It hurt, hurt BAD. I tucked my tail between my legs and scoured the gift shop for a little trinket.
As I was trinket shopping, there were 2 girls trying to get in one of the tours for the day. The attendant told them what they told me, but they were not taking no for an answer. “My friend came from Serbia just to see this… is there any way she can go? Please, I’ll just wait. PLEASE. Is there anything you can do?” After going back and forth, the girl begging and pleading for minutes, the attendant said “Fine… we will add 1 spot to the tour for her but it starts right now.”
A jolt of pure RAGE shot through my bloodstream. I was about to lose it. I was seeing red. What a slap in the face to me who had just been rejected. As I turned around to unleash my blind fury, I had to check myself.
One half of my brain said to the other half “Honestly Johnny, she wanted it more than you did. You know she did. If you wanted it that bad, you would have pressed the attendant like she did. You just saw first hand that a closed mouth does not get fed.” Damn. So true.
This was just proof again that you gotta go after what you want in life. Pure passion and grit will win out more often than not. I needed this lesson.
RIP FRANK!
IG @johnny.novo Tiktok...
Read more🏛️ Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio: A Prairie Paradise 🏛️
We rolled into Oak Park on a sleepy mid-weekday and snagged our tickets same-day—no fuss, but if you’ve got a schedule tighter than a cantilever beam, grab them online in advance.
🕰️ Tour Tip Plan on an hour for the guided walkthrough plus extra time to wander the restored gardens and stroll the block. Wright’s architectural fingerprints are everywhere—there are several of his houses down the street. If you crave more context, the gift shop sells a neighborhood audio tour (for a few extra bucks), kind of like a podcast with Frank himself.
👩🏫 Inside Scoop Our guide was a walking encyclopedia of Prairie School lore. Photos? Snap away! Video? Keep the phone in your pocket. Don't become distracted by making the video and missing the details. ( I got the friendly “no video” nudge mid-tour, and I appreciate it.) It was a great reminder to live in the moment and take in the details. No harm, no foul—just a reminder that some masterpieces deserve to be admired, not filmed. Filming is a distraction that may cause you to stumble into items that can't be replaced.
🌿 Beyond the Home After you soak in the sleek horizontals, peek at the Unity Temple and other FLW gems around town. It’s like a mini architectural scavenger hunt, and each stop proves Wright really did think “outside the box.”
✨ Final Verdict This beautifully restored slice of design history is a must for road-tripping culture vultures. Bonus: You’ll feel smarter just by breathing in that Prairie...
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