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Tickets

Are tickets on sale now?
Yes. You also can preorder box lunches, order a Wright Plus gift certificate or become a member of the Preservation Trust (and receive ticket discounts) when you order. Phone orders begin January 6, 2009 at 877.848.3559.

How can I place an order?
You can order online 24 hours a day by clicking on Buy Tickets in the left menu. To order by phone, call 877.848.3559 toll free, Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm (Central Time).

Can I buy tickets at the event?
The number of tickets sold is limited. In recent years, tickets for the housewalk, the Friday Excursion and the Sunday Smart Start sold out well in advance. We recommend buying early to avoid disappointment.

Are there different prices for seniors/students/children?
No. Tickets are $80 for Preservation Trust members (limit 4 member tickets) and $95 for nonmembers. Please note that children under age 12 are not permitted in the tour homes. A $5 shipping and handling charge is added to each order.

When will I get my tickets?
Tickets for the housewalk and vouchers for preordered box lunches will be mailed to you by the end of April 2009. For online orders, an email acknowledgement is sent shortly after an order is placed.

Note that no tickets are issued for the Friday Excursion, the Exclusively Wright Dinners or the Sunday Smart Start; a list of purchasers will be kept at the door for check-in.

Can I order tickets as a gift for someone?
Yes, tickets to the housewalk and other weekend events make wonderful gifts. You can request a gift announcement when you place your order. The Gift link on the menu to the left provides photos and more information on gift options.

More questions? Contact us at info@gowright.org

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The housewalk—how it works and facts to know

How long does the tour last?
You should allow all day for the tour. The buildings are open from 9 am–5 pm. You may need to wait in line to view some buildings.

Can I see the Robie House on the same day?
The Robie House is located 20 miles southeast of Oak Park, in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Because of that distance, we recommend visiting the Robie House on a different day. Your Wright Plus 2009 ticket allows you to visit the Robie House through October 31, 2009.

Tour hours at the Robie House:
November 1, 2008 – October 31, 2009 Saturdays, 11 am-3 pm
Wright Plus weekend – Friday, May 15, 2009 and Sunday, May 17, 2009 11 am-3 pm (Wright Plus ticket holders only)
Saturday, May 16, 2009 11 am-3 pm

You also can tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and Unity Temple any time before the end of 2009. Check tour hours.

What is included with my Ticket?
Wright Plus 2009 tickets include entry to eight private homes plus three public buildings. The homes are only open on Saturday, May 16, 2009.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and Unity temple can be toured through December 31, 2009. Due to restoration the Robie House can be toured through October 31, 2009.

Does the housewalk require walking, standing or stair climbing? Is it handicapped accessible? Is it possible to walk/bike between sites?
The tour sites are all within an approximately 1-mile radius. Walking or biking is possible. Buses will shuttle housewalk visitors to and from nearby parking, our museum, our housewalk Orientation Center and shopping/dining areas. Buses will make stops near the tour homes, but you should anticipate walking at least a few blocks. At peak times, lines may form to view the homes; no seating is provided. At some homes, stair climbing is required to enter the home and/or if more than one level is open for viewing. We suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes (note that high heeled-shoes are not allowed inside the tour homes). We regret that our tour homes, which are privately owned, are not handicapped accessible.

Hints: Tour homes tend to be less crowded early or late in the day. The courtyard of the Home and Studio is a good place to sit and relax. Some visitors bring folding stools to sit on while they wait; these may be checked at the door of each house.

Where does the housewalk start? Where should I park?
On Wright plus day come first to our Orientation Center in Oak Park. You will find directions to parking and to the Orientation Center in an informational welcome brochure mailed with your tickets. At the Orientation Center, you will receive a map of the tour area, including building locations and shuttle bus routes, and other information.

Must we see the houses in a particular order or at a particular time?
No. You may tour the houses in any order you choose from 9 am–5 pm.

How is the tour conducted?
At each building, a greeter lets a set number of visitors in to begin the tour every few minutes. Tickets are checked at each building on the tour. Once inside, visitors move from room to room in a group to listen to trained docents describe features of that room, the house’s history and design, and interesting historical and family facts. The tour program is subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances.

Can I take photographs of the homes?
You may take exterior photos of the homes, but interior photography is prohibited.

May I bring my child? How about my pet?
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed on the tour. Pets are not allowed.

Can I check my luggage?
Yes. We offer bag check for shop purchases and personal items. Please note that large bags, knapsacks, etc., are not allowed in the tour homes.

More questions? Contact us at info@gowright.org

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Accommodations and food

Where can I stay?
Our Ultimate Plus Weekend package includes three nights’ deluxe accommodation at the historic Carleton of Oak Park (www.carletonhotel.com), Official Hotel of Wright Plus 2009. The Ultimate Plus link in the left menu provides details.

Due to heavy convention traffic in the Chicago area during the month of May, we recommend making hotel arrangements as soon as possible. Information on lodging options in the Oak Park and Chicago areas is available online at www.visitoakpark.com, www.choosechicago.com and by phone at 1.877.chicago.

Is lunch available during the Wright Plus housewalk?
Yes. You may pre-order a box lunch to pick up during Wright Plus. To pre-order, click the Tickets link on the left menu and select Box Lunches. Choose turkey, roast beef or grilled veggie sandwich, plus side salad, chips, cookie, mint and a beverage for $12. Proceeds help support our Junior Interpreters program for 5th-10th graders.

Is there a concession stand?
Yes. A concession tent selling light breakfast fare, snacks and beverages is run by our Junior Interpreters in the Home and Studio courtyard, beginning at 7:30 am.

Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes. Many restaurants offering a variety of cuisine and pricing are available nearby. Visit www.shopoakpark.com or www.visitoakpark.com for maps, listings and links.

Can I buy Frank Lloyd Wright items or souvenirs nearby?
Yes, museum shops at the Home and Studio and Robie House feature books, home furnishings, jewelry and gift items in a wide price range, including special offers and demonstrations for Wright Plus weekend.

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More questions? Contact us at info@gowright.org

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Location and transportation

Where is Oak Park?
Oak Park is a suburb bordering the western boundary of Chicago. It is 10 miles due west of Chicago's downtown (the Loop). It is roughly equi-distant (approximately 30 minutes driving, at non-rush hour times) from Chicago's two airports, O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.

How can I get to Oak Park?
Oak Park is easily accessible by car and by public transportation. It is served by the Metra commuter rail system as well as by the Chicago Transit Authority's elevated trains (the el). Taxis are also easily available.

Driving between Oak Park and either airport or downtown Chicago takes about 30 minutes at non-rush hour times. During rush hour, expect longer travel times.

Driving directions from downtown Chicago
Take the Eisenhower Expressway, I-290, west to the Harlem Avenue exit, and exit northbound. Continue north on Harlem Avenue to Lake Street. Turning right on Lake Street, you will be in downtown Oak Park. Signs will direct you to public parking. Refer to the Welcome brochure mailed with your tickets. For a detailed map and custom driving directions, visit Google Maps.

Directions from downtown Chicago via public transportation
Take either 1) the Metra commuter train Union Pacific West Line to the Oak Park stop or 2) the Chicago Transit Authority Green Line (el) to either the Oak Park Avenue or Harlem Avenue stop. For Metra information, visit www.metrarail.com or call 312.836.7000. For Green Line el information, visit www.transitchicago.com or call 888.YOURCTA.

More questions? Contact us at info@gowright.org

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Bad weather and cancellations

What happens if the weather is bad?
The Wright Plus tour will not be cancelled because of inclement weather. Be sure to dress for the weather.

What if I cannot attend?
Wright Plus tickets are not refundable or exchangeable.
If you cannot use your ticket, you can send us the unused ticket by June 15 and we will send you a letter recognizing the full ticket value as a tax-deductible donation by the purchaser to the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust.

More questions? Contact us at info@gowright.org

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