Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio Travel Guide

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for architecture buffs and anyone curious about the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This historic place offers a peek into Wright’s early career and the origins of the Prairie School of architecture.

History

Frank Lloyd Wright lived in the Home & Studio from 1889 to 1909, a period during which he developed many of his famous design ideas. The house, built in 1889 and expanded in 1895, stands out with its steeply pitched roof, different from Wright’s later Prairie-style homes. The studio next door is where Wright and his team created the Prairie style, which changed American architecture. Open for public tours since 1974, it became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

How to Get There

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio is at 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. You can drive there and park in designated areas. If you don’t have a car, public transportation like buses and trains are available. Some hotels also offer pick-up services from areas like the Magnificent Mile, River North, and the Loop.

Attractions

1. Guided Interior Tour: Take a 60-minute guided tour of Wright’s Home and Studio. You’ll get insights into his design ideas, architectural career, and personal life.
2. Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: Enjoy an outdoor self-guided audio tour of the nearby Historic District, featuring many Wright-designed homes.
3. Unity Temple: Check out the Unity Temple, another of Wright’s creations, recently renovated and located nearby.
4. Historic District: The area around the Home & Studio has the highest number of Wright-designed homes in the world, offering a deep dive into his architectural vision.

Ticket Information

You can buy tickets for the guided interior tour and self-guided audio walking tour online or by calling the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust at 312.994.4000. Prices range from $20 to $30 per person, depending on the tour. Trust members get a $20 discount on the “Inside and Out” tours. It’s best to get tickets in advance, and everyone needs a ticket. Kids under 8 aren’t allowed on interior tours.

Tips for Visiting

1. Arrival Time: Get there at least 15 minutes before your tour starts to check in at the Museum Shop. If you’re late, you’ll join the tour in progress.
2. Accessibility: The site offers accessible programming for various needs. For questions about accessibility, call 312.994.4000 or email info@flwright.org.
3. Photography: You can take still photos during the tours. Share your pics using #FLWTrust.
4. Group Tours: If you have a group of 10 or more, book a tour through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s Group Tours page.
5. Day-of Tickets: You can buy day-of tickets online or over the phone up to 30 minutes before the tour starts.