Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Serving as the private residence and workplace for Frank Lloyd Wright from 1889 to 1909, the Home and Studio is the place of origin for America’s own architecture style—Prairie Style. Wright used his first home in the Chicago area to develop his skills and experiment with design concepts that clearly reveal his creativity and future potential as a designer.

In the 20 years that Frank Lloyd Wright lived in the house, he made plenty of alterations and revisions, using it to refine his ideas. His desire to “liberate space” and incorporate nature into his work is indicated by both the interior and exterior look of the home. Originally built in what was a semi-rural area outside of the city, Oak Park has developed since then—and many of the early homes in the neighborhood were also designed by Wright.  

When you visit the Home and Studio, you’ll arrive at a designated time and will be guided through with the help of an interpreter. Throughout the buildings, guests are provided with information and insight into the family and career aspects of Wright’s life while viewing objects of interest inside and outside.

Not to Miss at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Since the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio are small and the tours are taken with a guide, it’s easy to make sure that you see everything. With basic admission, you’ll get to enjoy the home and studio, but if you’d like to do more, consider this afternoon tour that also includes other Wright homes in the neighborhood:

Wright Around Oak Park Guided Tour. Enjoy an even more intimate look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home as well as the surrounding area with a 3-hour tour, “Wright Around Oak Park”. Enjoy an expanded tour of the studio with access to the Studio Balcony. Get exclusive photography access and an intimate group size. Your walking tour will take you around to a variety of homes in the area that were all designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Tours typically begin at noon daily and fill up quickly so plan in advance.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home Amenities

Services and amenities are minimal at this location since it isn’t very large, but you’ll find these at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio:

Museum Gift Shop

Museum shop hours are from 9am-5pm daily, so you’ll have time to check out the gifts and souvenirs before or after visiting the museum. Pick up unique gifts based on the drawings and work of Wright, as well as other pieces of art, home items, calendars, games, stationery and much more.

Accommodations

  • Unfortunately, the Home is not accessible to wheelchairs of any size as all of the entries have stairs.
  • The Studio includes the drafting room, Wright’s office, octagonal library and reception area, all of which are accessible to standard wheelchairs. One wheelchair is available for use of guests.
  • Guests in wheelchairs may ask to view the FLW Home and Studio DVD which details views of rooms that may not be accessible to them on their visit.

What’s Nearby the Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Oak Park is separate from downtown Chicago, making it quieter and less busy. But you’ll still find some interesting things to see, most of which are other homes or buildings that were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright:

  • Arthur Huertley House (FLW designed)
  • Walter Gale House (FLW designed)
  • Frank W. Thomas House (FLW designed)
  • Walter Gerts House (FLW designed)
  • Nathan G. Moore House (FLW designed)
  • Harry S. Adams House (FLW designed)
  • Unity Temple
  • In you want to travel 30 minutes you can take a tour of one of his favorite homes. The Robie House
  • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum (and Boyhood Home)

Getting to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Oak Park is located about 12 miles west of The Loop/Downtown Chicago, which makes driving or public transportation the most viable options for getting there.

Driving            

Getting to Oak Park from downtown Chicago is easy by taking I-290 to Harlem Avenue. Free parking is available along the street.

Public Transportation

From downtown Chicago, use the westbound Green Line ‘L’ Train to the Oak Park stop.

For Metra, board the Union Pacific West Line train and exit at the Oak Park stop.

Expect a 15-minute walk to the Home & Studio from the train stops.

When to go to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Open daily 10am-4pm, you can arrive an hour early to check out the gift shop.

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home Insider Tips

  • Visiting does require that tickets be purchased in advanced and the tour time will be expected to be followed or you’ll miss out on a portion of the tour.
  • Share photography on social medial with #FLWTrust
  • If you are planning on visiting several tourist attractions during your visit to Chicago, check out the Go Chicago Pass or Explorer Pass, both of them a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.

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