Oak Park Il Frank Lloyd Wright Walking Tour
If you're a fan of architecture, then you're in for a treat in Oak Park, Illinois. This village, located just outside of Chicago, is home to one of the largest collections of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in the world. And the best way to experience these masterpieces is through a walking tour. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through Oak Park's most famous architectural sites, all designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Our tour begins at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. This building, located at 951 Chicago Avenue, was Wright's personal residence from 1889 to 1909. It was also where he ran his architectural practice, designing many of his famous buildings during this time.
Today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is a museum that offers guided tours of the interior and exterior of the building. On the tour, you'll learn about Wright's early work, his design philosophy, and see some of his original furniture and artwork. This is a must-see for any architecture lover visiting Oak Park.
The Unity Temple
Just a short walk from the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is the Unity Temple. This church, located at 875 Lake Street, is one of Wright's most famous designs. Built in 1908, it was a departure from traditional church architecture at the time, with its bold geometric shapes and modern materials.
The Unity Temple is still used as a church today, but it also offers guided tours to visitors. On the tour, you'll see the unique interior design of the building, which features stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, and a spacious main hall that seats over 500 people.
The Robie House
Our next stop is the Robie House, located at 5757 S. Woodlawn Avenue. This building is considered one of Wright's masterpieces, and is a prime example of his "Prairie Style" architecture. Built in 1909, it features a low-slung roofline, overhanging eaves, and long horizontal lines that blend in with the surrounding landscape.
The Robie House is now a museum that offers guided tours of the interior and exterior of the building. On the tour, you'll learn about the history of the house, see some of Wright's original furniture and artwork, and appreciate the attention to detail in every aspect of the design.
The Frank Thomas House
Our final stop on the Oak Park Frank Lloyd Wright walking tour is the Frank Thomas House, located at 210 Forest Avenue. This building, built in 1901, is one of Wright's earliest designs in Oak Park. It features a charming exterior with a unique porch and decorative woodwork.
The Frank Thomas House is a private residence, so it's not open for tours. However, you can still appreciate the exterior design from the street. And if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the interior through the windows.
Conclusion
The Oak Park Frank Lloyd Wright walking tour is a must-do for anyone interested in architecture. From the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio to the Frank Thomas House, you'll be amazed at the creativity and attention to detail in these buildings. So put on your walking shoes and explore the masterpieces of Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park, Illinois.