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Frederick C. Robie House: A Prairie School Masterpiece

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style masterpiece, a National Historic Landmark on the University of Chicago campus.

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The Frederick C. Robie House, located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, is a seminal work of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School architecture, completed in 1910. Designed for businessman Frederick C. Robie, the house embodies Wright's vision of organic architecture, with its horizontal lines, open floor plan, and integration of interior and exterior spaces.

A brief summary to Frederick C. Robie House

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, as tours often sell out.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking and standing.
  • Photography is permitted during the tour, so bring your camera to capture the architectural details.
  • Consider taking the combined interior and exterior tour for a comprehensive experience of the Robie House.
  • Check the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust website for information on accessibility and accommodations for visitors with specific needs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Robie House is accessible via public transportation. You can take the Metra Electric train to the 55th-56th-57th Street stop, which is about a half-mile walk to the house. Alternatively, several bus routes, including the #2, #6, and #X28, stop near the Robie House. Check the CTA or Metra websites for the latest schedules and fares. A single ride on CTA bus or train is $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are already on the University of Chicago campus or in the Hyde Park neighborhood, walking to the Robie House is a pleasant option. From the University of Chicago's main quadrangle, walk east along 58th Street to Woodlawn Avenue, then turn left and walk one block north to the Robie House. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Chicago. A taxi ride from downtown Chicago to the Robie House typically costs between $21 and $25 and takes approximately 11 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that prices may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

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Discover more about Frederick C. Robie House

The Frederick C. Robie House, completed in 1910, stands as the quintessential expression of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style and a precursor to modernism in architecture. Commissioned by Frederick C. Robie, the house is more than just a building; it's a statement of Wright's vision for a new American architecture, one that responded to the expansive Midwestern landscape. The Robie House is characterized by its strong horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and long bands of windows, all designed to mimic the flat, expansive plains of the Midwest. Wright's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the house, from the art glass windows that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces to the custom-designed furniture and light fixtures. The interior of the Robie House is equally remarkable, featuring an open floor plan centered around a main hearth, a departure from the traditional warren of rooms in Victorian-era homes. This open plan, combined with the abundant natural light that floods the interior, creates a sense of spaciousness and connection to the outdoors. Despite its architectural significance, the Robie House has experienced a tumultuous history. Robie was forced to sell the house after just 14 months due to financial difficulties. Over the years, the house served as a classroom building, dormitory, and office space before being taken under the wing of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Today, the Robie House has been restored to its 1910 appearance and is open to the public for tours.

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