Frank Lloyd Wright Oak Park Self Guided Walking Tour
If you're a fan of architecture and design, you won't want to miss the chance to see some of Frank Lloyd Wright's most impressive works in Oak Park, Illinois. Just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, Oak Park is a suburb that's brimming with stunning homes and buildings designed by the legendary architect.
Luckily, exploring the area is easy with a self-guided walking tour. With this guide in hand, you can discover the beauty and genius of Wright's work on your own schedule. So, let's get started!
The Unity Temple
The Unity Temple was completed in 1908 and is considered to be one of Wright's most important works. This building is an iconic example of his "Prairie Style" architecture and is located at 875 Lake St. in Oak Park.
One of the most striking features of the Unity Temple is its use of light. The building's stained glass windows allow for natural light to pour in, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere inside.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is located at 951 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park. This is the house where Wright lived with his family from 1889 to 1909, and where he designed many of his early works.
The home is now a museum that's open to the public. Visitors can take a tour of the interior of the house and learn more about Wright's life and work.
The William H. Winslow House
The William H. Winslow House was built in 1893 and is one of Wright's earliest commissions. It's located at 515 Auvergne Place in Oak Park.
This house is a great example of Wright's "Shingle Style" architecture, which is characterized by the use of cedar shingles on the exterior. The Winslow House is now a private residence, but you can still view its exterior from the street.
The Arthur Heurtley House
The Arthur Heurtley House was built in 1902 and is located at 318 Forest Avenue in Oak Park. This house is a great example of Wright's early work and is considered to be one of his most important Prairie Style homes.
The Heurtley House has many of the elements that make Wright's work so unique, including a low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves, and strong horizontal lines. The house is now a private residence, but you can still view its exterior from the street.
The Cheney House
The Cheney House was built in 1903 and is located at 520 North East Avenue in Oak Park. This house is a great example of Wright's Prairie Style architecture and is characterized by its strong horizontal lines and use of natural materials.
The Cheney House features a large, open floor plan that's perfect for entertaining. The house is now a private residence, but you can still view its exterior from the street.
The Nathan G. Moore House
The Nathan G. Moore House was built in 1895 and is located at 333 Forest Avenue in Oak Park. This house is a great example of Wright's early work and is characterized by its use of Roman brick and limestone trim.
The Moore House is now a private residence, but you can still view its exterior from the street.
Conclusion
Exploring Oak Park's Frank Lloyd Wright architecture is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're an architect, design enthusiast, or just appreciate beautiful buildings, a self-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to discover this suburb's architectural gems.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the beauty of Wright's work. Also, be respectful of the private residences and remember that some of these houses are not open to the public.
With this guide in hand, you'll be able to navigate Oak Park's streets with ease and discover some of Frank Lloyd Wright's most beautiful and significant buildings. Happy exploring!
