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