150th Anniversary
Happy Birthday from Buffalo, Frank Lloyd Wright!
A visionary of 20th century architecture, Wright redefined American design and development. You can tour multiple examples of his work in New York’ s Greater Niagara region.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of acclaimed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. With its strong architectural history, including significant Wright designs, Buffalo has reason to celebrate. Buffalo is home to Wright’ s first significant projects outside the Midwest, both commissioned by Darwin D. Martin. These include the Larkin Building( that has since been demolished), and the Darwin D. Martin House, one of the finest examples of Wright’ s signature Prairiestyle architecture.
Following a $ 50 million restoration, this complex of six connected buildings is now a museum where Wright’ s genius comes into focus on docent-led tours that articulate the angular lines, decorative glass and other details that define Wright’ s nature-inspired vision. Wright also designed a later commission known as Graycliff, the Martin family’ s summer home overlooking Lake Erie, which can be toured in nearby Derby.
In addition to these two significant Wright sites, several projects by Wright, unbuilt during his lifetime, have been realized in Buffalo in recent years, including the Blue Sky Mausoleum, located in the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery. While designed by Wright, it was actually constructed in 2004, in conjunction with one of Wright’ s former apprentices. Two other posthumous projects can also be visited: the Fontana Boathouse, built in 2007 based on Wright’ s original 1905 plan, and the Buffalo Filling Station, built in 2002( inside the Pierce Arrow museum) to realize a 1927 Wright design. Two other Wright-designed Buffalo residences are still in use as private homes.
An aerial view of Graycliff overlooking Lake Erie( top); Blue Sky Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery( middle) was realized from Wright ' s design after his death; Darwin D. Martin House seen from the front( bottom). Photos courtesy of VisitBuffaloNiagara. com.
150 Hours of Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo
Beginning on June 5th, 2017 Martin House and Graycliff will present a series of events leading up to Wright’ s birthday on June 8. This celebration will include lectures, music, and outdoor events and is designed for guests of all ages and levels of interest. It ranges from a 1920s-inspired road trip from the Martin House to the Graycliff estate to a day of family-oriented festivities on the Martin House grounds. darwinmartinhouse. org or graycliffestate. org
Photo by bobistraveling via flickr Photo by Dave Pape Photo courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara iloveny. com / milestones | 83