Robie House

About

The Frederick C. Robie House stands as one of the most important buildings in American architectural history. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1910, it's the finest expression of his Prairie style - a revolutionary approach to residential design that traded height and lavish ornamentation for clean horizontal lines that hug the earth.

Located on the University of Chicago campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood, the Robie House draws visitors from around the world. It's a designated Chicago Landmark, National Historic Landmark, and part of The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the outside, you'll notice the dramatic cantilevered roofs, bands of brick and limestone, and overhanging eaves that give the house its distinctive profile. The main entrance is intentionally tucked away on the short side of the building, hidden under an overhanging second story. Finding your way inside is part of the experience.

The interior is where the house truly shines. A light-filled open plan unfolds as a single room that flows between living and dining areas, divided only by a central chimney. Leaded glass doors and windows line the space, casting patterns of flattened diamond shapes and diagonal geometries inspired by floral forms. Wright's studio designed custom furniture and carpets to complement the architecture, creating a total work of art.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust operates guided tours that walk visitors through the home's history, design philosophy, and restoration. Tours typically last about an hour. The on-site Museum Shop carries books, prints, and Wright-inspired gifts.

Built for manufacturing executive Frederick C. Robie, the house was nearly demolished twice before the University of Chicago took ownership in 1963. Today it stands fully restored as a testament to Wright's vision - one that sparked a revolution in residential architecture still felt today.

Accessibility

The exterior and ground floor of the Robie House are wheelchair accessible. However, the second floor (which includes the living room, dining room, and kitchen) requires climbing a flight of 20 stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. The third floor requires an additional 17 stairs. The Museum Shop and restrooms on the ground level are accessible.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust has one standard-size wheelchair available at the Robie House on a first-come, first-served basis. Some walkers with built-in seats are also available on the same basis.

For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, American Sign Language interpretation may be available for guided tours with at least two weeks' advance notice. Typed tour scripts in English with detailed descriptions are available upon request.

For visitors who are blind or have low vision, Touch Tours offer tactile architectural plans and accessible details. Small reproductions of original items displayed in the rooms can be brought out on special request so guests can touch and engage with them.

Certified service animals are permitted on all tours.

For questions about accessibility and specific accommodation needs, contact Guest Relations at 312-994-4000 or email [email protected]. Reaching out before your visit is recommended so staff can prepare for your needs.

More accessible places in Illinois

• Adler Planetarium (Chicago)
• National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago)
• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
• DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Chicago)
• Garfield Park Conservatory (Chicago)
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (Chicago)