When it comes to great American architecture, few names rise higher than Frank Lloyd Wright. The brilliant architect is world-renowned and was a pioneer in his age whose relevance continues to this very day. And if you’re in the Lakeland, FL, area, then you’re in luck. That’s because Florida Southern College is home to the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. So, if you do want to have a visit, here’s what you need to know.
What is the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor’s Center?
The museum is dedicated to the work of famed American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright and is home to the largest single collection of his work. Also known as “Child of the Sun”, It boasts 13 different pieces of his work spanning from 1938 to his eventual death in 1959. His incredible collection of works sprawls across the campus and most of the buildings are still in operation to this day.
Buildings that are part of the collection include:
- Annie Pfeiffer Chapel – first completed Frank Lloyd Wright structure on the campus, dedicated 1941
- Seminars (now the Financial Aid and Business Office) – completed 1941
- Buckner Building (original Roux Library) – completed 1946
- Watson/Fine Building (Administration Building) – completed 1949
- Water Dome – partially completed 1949, completed and restored in 2007 to Wright’s original plans
- Danforth Chapel – completed 1955
- Ordway Building (originally called the Industrial Arts Building) – completed 1952
- Polk County Science Building (called Polk Science by faculty and students) – completed 1958
- The Esplanades – various completion times, currently undergoing restoration
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright was an esteemed American architect that has had an enormous impact on architecture, not just in the States, but in the whole world. Over his impressive 60 year career, he designed over 1000 structures, 8 of which are classified as world heritage sites, his most famous is considered by many as the greatest designed building in America: Fallingwater.
His lasting impact on American architecture is a philosophy known as Organic architecture. This style of architecture was characterized by designing in harmony with humanity and the environment.
Where is it?
The collection can be found today at Florida Southern College as part of it’s campus. The visitor’s center acts as a hub for the entire collection while the Usonian Faculty House acts as a de facto museum for the entire collection with a number of other artifacts related to the great architect. You can find the visitors’ center at 750 Frank Lloyd, Wright Way, Lakeland, FL 33801.
For further directions:
From Interstate 4, take exit #32 (US 98 South) The name of the street changes to S. Florida Avenue. Stay on South Florida Avenue about a half mile past the downtown area. Turn left on Frank Lloyd Wright Way (formerly McDonald St.) and go six blocks. The Tourism and Education Center is on the corner of Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Johnson Avenue in the butterscotch colored bungalow. Look for the American flag.
History of the Frank Lloyd wright Collection
In 1938, the president of Florida Southern College approached Lloyd Wright with the task of transforming what was largely just orange groves into a modern college campus. Lloyd Wright’s vision for the college campus was to remove any “uninspiring buildings” and replace them with new designs that he said would: “grow out of the ground and into the light, a child of the sun”. The collection was henceforth known as The Child of the Sun.
He planned to design 18 buildings to complete the campus but only completed 12 by the time of his death. In 2013, the Usonian Faculty House was completed as per Frank Lloyd Wright’s original design and now serves as a museum.
Opening Hours
The visitor’s center is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day and Easter.
Parking
Parking is available at Florida Southern College which is across the street from the visitor’s center.
Architecture Tours
There are a number of different tours available depending on your interests. These include:
Self-guided Tour
This tour is as simple as purchasing a self-guided tour map and strolling through the campus at your leisure- perfect for those of you who enjoy stopping to smell the roses.
Usonian House Tour
These tours offer an inside view of the recently completed Usonian House. Also, every half hour you can view the film “Florida Southern College: Frank Lloyd Wright’s American Campus.”
Read about our Usonian House tour experience.
Basic Tour
Become knowledgeable on Wright’s vision for the campus and his method of construction during this 60-minute tour. An experienced tour guide will tell you the story behind each one of Wright’s unique buildings.
In-Depth Tour
This popular 2.5-hour tour is the same as the basic tour with the inclusion of more time to explore the inside of the building and a more detailed description of the abstract structures.
Behind the Scenes Tour
This tour takes visitors to spaces not included on any other tour, including the interior of the only planetarium designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a 3.5-hour tour and reservations are required.
Wright After Dark Tour
This new tour allows visitors to see Wright’s structures lit by artificial light. It is hosted on the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. This is a 90-minute tour and reservations are required.
Reservations are strongly recommended for every tour as guests arriving the day of the tour will be accommodated based on tour guide availability.
For more details, check out the official website.
Summary
So, if you’re looking for a great day trip that allows you to experience the work of one of America’s greatest creative minds, then the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection, Child of the Sun is a wonderful option for the whole family.
And after a long but worthwhile day out, nothing is more relaxing than sipping a cold drink by the swimming pool or walking the 30 paces to the beach. You can enjoy that and more at Eiko’s Beach House.