Meyer May House
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, the Meyer May House offers free tours of its meticulously restored Prairie School design.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Meyer May House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, the Meyer May House offers free tours of its meticulously restored Prairie School design.
"Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's genius in this beautifully restored 1908 home – a must-see in Grand Rapids!"
🎯 Book Free Tours Online
Reservations are essential for the free guided tours. Book well in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the house.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prairie School Architecture
Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Prairie School design, characterized by horizontal lines and integration with nature.
Restored Interior Details
Marvel at the meticulously restored interiors, including original furnishings and art glass windows.
Art Glass Windows
Admire the stunning, custom-designed art glass windows that are a hallmark of Frank Lloyd Wright's work.
Integration with Gardens
See how the house seamlessly connects with its surrounding gardens, a key principle of Wright's design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Free Tour in Advance
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Free Tours Online
Reservations are essential for the free guided tours. Book well in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the house.
📸 Capture the Details
Photography is often allowed inside, so bring your phone or camera to capture the stunning architecture.
🧐 Ask Your Guide Questions
Docents are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; don't hesitate to ask them about the history and design.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Free Tours Online
Reservations are essential for the free guided tours. Book well in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the house.
📸 Capture the Details
Photography is often allowed inside, so bring your phone or camera to capture the stunning architecture.
🧐 Ask Your Guide Questions
Docents are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; don't hesitate to ask them about the history and design.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Meyer May House for its stunning Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and the exceptional quality of its restoration. The free guided tours are highlighted as informative and engaging, with guides often commended for their passion and knowledge. It's considered a must-visit for anyone interested in design, history, or exploring Grand Rapids.
"I had a wonderful experience visiting the Meyer May House. The restoration is absolutely stunning and really brings Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision to life. The guided tour was very informative, and the staff were knowledgeable and welcoming. It’s incredible to see such attention to detail in both the architecture and the furnishings. Definitely a must-visit if you are in Grand Rapids!"
Korhan Kalabalik
"A beautifully restored Prairie-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908–09. The architecture is stunning — clean horizontal lines, leaded glass windows, and an incredible attention to detail throughout. The interior feels like a work of art, with original and reproduced Wright furnishings and a peaceful connection to the gardens outside.
Free tours include a short film and expert insight into Wright’s vision. An absolute must-visit for architecture lovers or anyone exploring Grand Rapids!"
Dmitriy A
"We had a fantastic experience touring the Meyer May House! The home itself is a beautifully preserved example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style architecture, and it was fascinating to see the thoughtful details and restoration work that went into it.
Our guide, Stewart (Stew), was excellent—warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the history and design of the house. He struck the perfect balance between sharing detailed information and keeping the tour engaging. He answered questions thoughtfully and added a personal touch that made the experience even more enjoyable.
Highly recommend this tour if you’re interested in architecture, design, or simply want to see a piece of history brought to life."
Teresa B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Meyer May House is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, and there is parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the Heritage Hill neighborhood.
Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors at the Meyer May House. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for specific parking instructions.
If you are staying in or near the Heritage Hill neighborhood, walking to the Meyer May House is a pleasant option. The area is known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets.
Grand Rapids is accessible by car via major highways. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) serves the region for air travelers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Meyer May House is free! However, tours require advance reservations made online.
Yes, advance reservations are required for the free guided tours of the Meyer May House. Book online to secure your preferred date and time.
Tour availability and hours can vary. It's best to check the official Meyer May House website for the most current tour schedule and to make your reservation.
Guided tours are the primary way to experience the Meyer May House. These tours are essential for understanding the architecture and history.
Occasionally, special events or tours might be offered, such as during the Heritage Hill Annual Tour of Homes. Keep an eye on their website for announcements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Meyer May House is renowned for its exceptional Prairie School architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, its meticulous restoration, and its free guided tours.
Tours typically include a short introductory film and a guided walk-through of the house, highlighting its architectural features, furnishings, and history.
Photography is generally permitted inside the Meyer May House, but it's always a good idea to confirm with your guide. Be mindful of others and avoid flash photography if it's disruptive.
A typical tour of the Meyer May House lasts about an hour, including the introductory film and the guided walk-through.
Information on accessibility for visitors with disabilities should be checked directly with the Meyer May House. Some historic homes may have limitations.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior showcases the Prairie School style beautifully, while the interior offers stunning details like art glass windows and unique furnishings. The gardens also provide lovely backdrops.
Policies on professional photography may vary. It's best to contact the Meyer May House directly to inquire about their guidelines for professional shoots.
Visitors often capture the architectural details, the art glass windows, the restored interiors, and the integration of the house with its landscape.
While general photography is usually allowed, always be respectful of the space and other visitors. Avoid flash photography if it's distracting or prohibited.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare children for a guided tour setting where they need to listen and stay with the group. The historical context and the story of restoration might be more engaging for older children or teens interested in design and history. Consider discussing the concept of a 'house designed by one person' before your visit to build anticipation.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
+1The meticulous restoration by Steelcase ensures you're seeing the house as close to its original 1909 state as possible. Pay close attention to the art glass windows, the built-in cabinetry, and the fireplace details. The knowledgeable docents are a treasure trove of information, often sharing fascinating anecdotes about Wright and the May family.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the tour itself is free, remember to factor in transportation costs to Grand Rapids. The value you receive in terms of historical and architectural insight is immense, making it a highly rewarding free activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genius of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School
Key characteristics of Prairie School design seen at the Meyer May House include overhanging eaves, bands of art glass windows that flood interiors with natural light, and the use of natural materials. Wright aimed to create homes that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting a distinctly American architectural identity. The restoration of the Meyer May House has been praised for its fidelity to Wright's original vision, allowing visitors to experience his groundbreaking ideas as intended.
+1Visitors often remark on how modern the house feels for its time, a testament to Wright's forward-thinking approach. The emphasis on craftsmanship and detail is evident throughout, from the built-in furniture to the intricate patterns in the stained glass. Experiencing the Meyer May House offers a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American architectural history and the enduring legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright.
A Meticulous Restoration Story
+1The goal of the restoration was to return the house to its 1909 appearance, as designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This involved extensive research, including consulting original blueprints, photographs, and historical records. Craftsmen worked to recreate or restore original furnishings, textiles, and architectural elements, ensuring that every detail reflected Wright's vision. The project was a testament to the commitment to preserving architectural heritage and showcasing the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright.
This dedication to authenticity is what makes touring the Meyer May House such a remarkable experience. Visitors can appreciate not only Wright's design but also the incredible effort that went into bringing the house back to its former glory. The success of the restoration has made the Meyer May House a celebrated example of historic preservation and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
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