Tours Of Frank Lloyd Wright's Iconic, Restored Unity Temple Are Back, Starting In July
By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 27, 2017 10:26PM
After a painstaking $25 million restoration, the modernist watershed Unity Temple will soon be available to tour again via the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Take note, architecture lovers: tours of the iconic Prairie-style church officially start back up in July.
Wright's seminal creation—considered one of his greatest achievements and a modernist touchstone in general—was built between 1905 and 1908 in Oak Park as the house of worship for a local Unitarian Universalist congregation. A National Historic Landmark since 1971, the space is famed for its strict rectilinear interior design, dramatic skylight, unconventional construction and an inspired manipulation of space, which maximizes seating efficiency. But at the same time, the celebrated church (875 Lake St., Oak Park) long proved susceptible to water damage, necessitating the years-long re-do.
Now, it's finally ready to (literally) shine again. "Even if you have already visited Unity Temple, you will be stunned by the brilliant use of light and space in this magnificent building," said Celeste Adams, president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, in a release.
Guided tours take place Monday through Saturday and run between 45 and 60 minutes. Tour admission is $18 for adults. More info is available here.