Unity Temple

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Unity Temple Travel Guide

Unity Temple is a stunning example of modern architecture and a national historic landmark that anyone interested in Frank Lloyd Wright’s work should visit. Located in Oak Park, Illinois, just a short trip from Chicago, this temple showcases Wright’s vision of blending buildings with their surroundings. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key piece of architectural history.

History

Unity Temple was commissioned by the Unity Church in 1905 after a fire destroyed their original building. Frank Lloyd Wright was given full creative control, allowing him to experiment with new materials and design concepts. Completed in 1908, the temple is considered one of the greatest public buildings from Wright’s Prairie period. Its use of reinforced concrete and geometric design elements make it a groundbreaking work in modern architecture.

How to Get There

Unity Temple is located at 875 Lake Street in Oak Park, Illinois. It’s easy to reach by public transportation. You can take the CTA Green Line and get off at the Oak Park Avenue stop, which is just a five-minute walk from the temple. Alternatively, you can take the Metra Union Pacific-West (UP-W) train and walk about five to ten minutes to the temple. There is metered street parking available, and you can also park in one of the nearby parking garages.

List of Attractions

1. Sanctuary: The heart of the building, the sanctuary is a beautiful space filled with light and warm colors, contrasting with the grey concrete exterior.
2. Clerestory Windows: A band of clerestory windows encircles the ceiling, providing natural light through amber-tinted leaded glass.
3. Skylights: Twenty-five square skylights of amber-tinted leaded glass are set in a concrete grid, creating a bright, airy atmosphere.
4. Community Room: This versatile space is designed for various activities, from concerts and lectures to community events.
5. Unity House: This area includes a central meeting hall, balconies for open classrooms, and other rooms for daily operations.
6. Low, Dark Passages: The entrance to the sanctuary guides visitors through low, dark passages before opening up into the brightly lit sanctuary.

Ticket Information

• Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15 per person, available from 9 AM to 2:15 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 11:15 AM on Saturdays.
• Guided Interior Tour: $20 per person, available twice a day at 10 AM and 12 noon, five days a week.
• Enhanced Tour: $40 per person, available on Saturdays at 10 AM. This 90-minute tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at spaces not open to the public and includes details about the restoration process.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan Ahead: Check the website for current hours and book your tour in advance to ensure availability.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself time to explore the temple and its surroundings.
• Accessibility: The temple is accessible with a ramp on the east side. For specific needs, contact the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
• Photography: Still photography is allowed on tours, and you can share your photos using #FLWTrust.
• Group Tours: Customizable group tours are available for 10 or more people through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
• Closed Days: The temple is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s Day.

Unity Temple is an architectural gem and an important cultural landmark. From its innovative use of materials and design to its cultural significance, Unity Temple is a symbol of creativity and community engagement.
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