Robie House
A masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style, the Robie House offers an immersive tour of groundbreaking 20th-century architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Robie House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style, the Robie House offers an immersive tour of groundbreaking 20th-century architecture.
"Totally worth it! The one hour tour was fantastic! A chance to see a Wright masterpiece up close and in depth."
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to guarantee your spot on a tour.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves stairs and walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prairie Style Architecture
Throughout the house
Marvel at Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Prairie style, characterized by horizontal lines and integration with nature.
Horizontal Emphasis
Exterior and interior
Notice how Wright used light and dark mortar to visually stretch the home horizontally, making it appear to grow from the earth.
Wright's Design Details
Every corner
Explore the meticulous details, from the mortar to the overall design, showcasing Frank Lloyd Wright's genius.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Robie House Tickets in Advance
Prepare for a Stair-Filled Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to guarantee your spot on a tour.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves stairs and walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Toured Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House last weekend - no regrets!
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Stairs
The historic nature means limited accessibility; expect to navigate multiple staircases.
🎁 Explore the Gift Shop
Discover beautiful and reasonably priced items inspired by Wright's designs.
Frank Lloyd Wright tours - Home & Studio or Robie House?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to guarantee your spot on a tour.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves stairs and walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Stairs
The historic nature means limited accessibility; expect to navigate multiple staircases.
🎁 Explore the Gift Shop
Discover beautiful and reasonably priced items inspired by Wright's designs.
🚗 Free Street Parking
You might find convenient free street parking nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Robie House for its stunning architecture and insightful tours, highlighting the expertise of the guides. While some find the lack of original furniture a bit uninspiring, most agree it's a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in design or history. The house is celebrated as a masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style.
"Totally worth it! The one hour tour was fantastic! A chance to see a Wright masterpiece up close and in depth. Our guide, Brian Schneider was terrific, full of insight and background on the architectural styles of the time and how Wright foresaw future trends in design. Thank you Brian and Frank Lloyd Wright Trust!"
Timothy Brown
"Wonderful tour and guide. There is little to no furniture in the house, so you’ll be focused on the home itself during the tour.
Tips:
1. Buy tickets in advance.
2. The tour is not accessable and there are stairs.
3. There aren’t many chairs to sit throughout the tour, but it seemed the groups gladly reserved those for elderly.
4. The gift shop had beautiful items at reasonable prices."
Emma S
"If you are into Architecture or not, you will love this material piece from Mr. Wright. 1 hour of tour with a highly dedicated person. 100% recommend"
Maximo Ceron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Robie House is located at 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, on the University of Chicago campus. Public transportation is a convenient option; the CTA Green Line '55th-56th-57th' station is a short walk away. Driving is also possible, with free street parking often available nearby.
Yes, visitors often find free street parking in the vicinity of the Robie House, though it can be competitive.
Many visitors opt for public transport via the CTA Green Line, which offers easy access. Driving is also an option, with the caveat of finding parking.
Absolutely! The CTA Green Line's 55th-56th-57th station is a convenient stop, putting you within walking distance of the Robie House.
The official address for the Frederick C. Robie House is 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's always best to check the official Frank Lloyd Wright Trust website for the most current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance.
Yes, it is highly recommended to buy your Robie House tickets in advance to secure your preferred tour time and avoid disappointment.
The Robie House is typically open for tours five days a week, but hours can change seasonally. Always consult the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust website for the most up-to-date operating hours.
Tours are the primary way to experience the interior of the Robie House and understand its architectural significance. While you can see the exterior, a guided tour is essential for a full appreciation.
Information on potential discounts, such as for students or seniors, is usually available on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust's official ticketing page. It's worth checking their website for any available offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour typically lasts about an hour and provides in-depth insights into Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural vision, the Prairie style, and the history of the house. Guides are knowledgeable and share fascinating details.
Unfortunately, due to its historic nature and numerous staircases, the Robie House is not fully accessible. Visitors should be prepared for stairs.
There is little to no original furniture in the Robie House, as the focus of the tour is on the architecture itself and Wright's design principles.
Most guided tours of the Robie House are approximately one hour long, offering a comprehensive overview of the property.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, non-flash photography is permitted inside the Robie House for personal use. Always check for any posted restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, with its strong horizontal lines and integration into the landscape, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, focus on the unique architectural details and the interplay of light and space.
Typically, non-flash photography is allowed inside the Robie House for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive interiors and exteriors, while a standard lens is great for details. A smartphone camera is also perfectly capable of capturing the beauty.
Flash photography is generally prohibited to protect the historic interiors. Always adhere to any posted rules or guide instructions.
Late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the architectural features. However, any time of day offers unique photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do bring children, ensure they wear comfortable shoes and are prepared for a guided tour that requires listening and observing. The Robie House interior offers a glimpse into a different era of living, which can be educational. The gift shop also has items that might appeal to younger visitors interested in architecture.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the floor plan and how Wright created open, flowing spaces. The meticulous details, from the mortar to the window designs, showcase his holistic approach to design. Visiting the Robie House offers a chance to see firsthand the principles that defined a significant movement in American architecture and understand why it's a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Downtown Chicago
Remember to book your Robie House tickets in advance to make the most of your limited time. The tour offers a concentrated dose of architectural brilliance, making it a rewarding experience even on a tight schedule. The Robie House visit provides a significant cultural and historical highlight to your Chicago itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genius of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style
Wright's philosophy extended beyond mere aesthetics; he believed in organic architecture, where buildings would grow naturally from their site. At the Robie House, this is evident in how the structure seems to emerge from the earth, reinforced by the use of materials like brick and wood. He also paid meticulous attention to detail, integrating furniture, lighting, and even decorative elements into the overall design. The use of stained glass and art glass windows, often featuring geometric patterns, further enhances the home's unique character and connection to nature.
Visitors often remark on the feeling of being in the house, with some even moved to tears by its profound sense of design and harmony. While the house is preserved as Wright intended, with little original furniture, the focus remains on appreciating his groundbreaking vision. The architect of Robie House, Frank Lloyd Wright, created a landmark that continues to inspire architects and design enthusiasts worldwide.
Navigating Your Robie House Visit
Comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be on your feet for the duration of the approximately one-hour tour. While the house is preserved to showcase Wright's original vision, don't expect a fully furnished home; the emphasis is on the architecture and design. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust manages the tours, and their guides are highly knowledgeable, offering deep insights into the building's history and architectural significance.
After your tour, consider exploring the gift shop, which offers a curated selection of items related to Frank Lloyd Wright's work at reasonable prices. For those arriving by car, free street parking is often available nearby, though it can be competitive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit