Frank Lloyd Wright Trust announces new Visitor and Education Center
By David Malone, Associate Editor
The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust has recently announced plans for a new Visitor and Education Center to be built adjacent to Wright’s Home and Studio.
The expansion will strengthen the Trust’s relationship with the Oak Park community, deepen its educational impact, increase indoor and outdoor capacity by over 20,000 sf, and improve the experience of the 90,000 visitors the Home and Studio site receives each year.
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The Trust selected John Ronan Architects to design the new Education and Visitor Center, which will comprise a Reception Hall with audio-visual programming, an information and ticketing area, visitor amenities, and a shop. A wooded outdoor plaza will extend from the Visitor Center to Chicago Avenue and connect to the historic grounds of the Home and Studio. An open grassy lawn will be combined with hard surface walkways and terrace areas. The combined Visitor Center and plaza will be used to hold events such as lectures, receptions, and other community and educational gatherings.
The Education Center will include a design studio for student and family classes with an area for students’ art display and works by area artists and designers. A conference room with a private reception area is also included.
