Celebrating 150 Years of Frank Lloyd Wright: 10 Iconic Homes to Visit

Architecture enthusiasts are making pilgrimages to homes designed by legendary craftsman Frank Lloyd Wright this year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth, which falls on June 8. To mark the occasion, the Museum of Modern Art has planned the exhibition “Frank Lloyd Wright at 150: Unpacking the Archive,” which runs from June 12 to October 1, 2017. Considered one of the most radical architects in history, Wright used revolutionary building technologies and materials and experimented with using the natural landscape as part of his designs. Over his lifetime, he designed more than 1,000 projects in the U.S., many of which were residences that are still privately owned. Many operate as museums, such as Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Robie House in Chicago, or the iconic Falling Water in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. Here are 10 Wright-designed buildings that you can visit, including six that offer overnight stays.

1. Elam House in Austin, Minnesota

From the mid-1930s onward, Wright built Usonian Homes, with the Elam House being the largest example of this style. Usonian houses are known for their large cantilevered roofs and L-shaped designs that fit within the existing natural landscape or garden. The Elam House features more than a hundred windows and rests on giant limestone piers. It boasts five bedrooms and six baths, available for rent at $275 per night. theelamhouse.com

2. Palmer House in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Billed as one of Ann Arbor’s most significant residential homes, Palmer House was designed for William Palmer, a professor of economics at the University of Michigan. The home sits on two acres of hilly wooded land at a quiet street’s dead end, showcasing Wright’s ability to harmonize architecture with nature. The structure flows organically into a sloping grassy hillside and is adorned with original Wright-designed furnishings. The house accommodates six guests and rents for $375 per night. flwpalmerhouse.com

3. Bernard Schwartz House (Still Bend) in Two Rivers, Wisconsin

In 1938, Life Magazine invited Wright to design a dream house for families earning between $2,000 and $10,000 annually. Wisconsin businessman Bernhard Schwartz commissioned Wright to build a version of this design. Still Bend is located in Two Rivers, overlooking a large marsh. Visitors can tour the house for $15 or rent the entire property for special events. theschwartzhouse.com

4. Martin House Complex in Buffalo, New York

Buffalo was a center of urban planning and home design in the late 19th century. One of Wright’s significant works is the Martin House Complex, designed for businessman Darwin D. Martin. After extensive renovations, the complex now features a visitors center designed by Toshiko Mori, making history easily accessible. Tours are highly in demand; reservations are recommended. darwinmartinhouse.org

5. Graycliff in Derby, New York

Graycliff Estate, located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, was designed by Wright and has served various purposes over the years. It is recognized as Wright’s “Natural House” due to its incorporation of indigenous materials and its open views. Architectural tours delve into the intricacies of Wright’s work. In summer, the estate offers twilight tours that include refreshments. graycliffestate.org

6. Louis Penfield House in Willoughby, Ohio

Wright was known for designing spaces that played with proportions. At the Louis Penfield House, he adapted his designs to accommodate the tall owner, strategically adjusting door heights. This later Usonian home features original furnishings, large windows, and floating staircases. The house is available for rent for $275 per night, accommodating up to five guests. penfieldhouse.com

7. Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California

Commissioned by Aline Barnsdall, Wright designed Hollyhock House in Los Angeles with a Mayan motif. Although she never intended to live in it, Barnsdall later gifted the house to the City of Los Angeles. Visitors can tour Hollyhock House, learning about its architectural significance and Wright’s relationship with Barnsdall. Tours are available independently for $7 or with a guide for $70. barnsdall.org

8. Seth Peterson Cottage in Lake Delton, Wisconsin

Wright was nearing 90 when he designed the Seth Peterson Cottage for a Wisconsin native who shared his birthday. Though Peterson never lived to see the cottage’s completion, it stands majestically above the lake, with soaring ceilings and a cozy feel. The cottage accommodates two guests for $300 per night, inclusive of firewood, canoes, and paddles. sethpeterson.org

9. Alpine Meadows Ranch in Montana

Alpine Meadows Ranch, designed by Wright in 1909, occupies 205 acres in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, originally intended as a retreat for university professors. The property features four main buildings for rent, including a three-bedroom cabin and event space. Although its architecture is simpler than other styles, the surrounding nature steals the spotlight with extensive trails and National Forest land. amrmontana.com

10. Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin

For 48 years, this 800-acre campus served as Wright’s home and architectural lab. His Welsh parents settled in the area, and it was here that he constructed the expansive Taliesin campus. Today, the estate hosts art and cultural events, architecture classes, and various tours covering different aspects of the site. taliesinpreservation.org