Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets
How can I purchase a Wright Plus ticket?
You can purchase a Wright Plus ticket online through this website or by calling 877.848.3559. You also can preorder box lunches, order a Wright Plus gift announcement or become a member of the Preservation Trust (and receive ticket discounts) when you order.
Can I buy tickets at the event?
The number of tickets sold is limited. In recent years, tickets for the housewalk, weekend events and the Ultimate Plus package sold out well in advance. We recommend buying early to avoid disappointment.
Are there different prices for seniors/students/children?
No. Tickets are $85 for Preservation Trust members (limit 4 member tickets) and $100 for nonmembers. Please note that children under age 12 are not permitted in the tour homes. A $5 handling charge is added to each order.
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.
When will I get my tickets?
International ticket orders made after April 25 and domestic ticket orders made after May 6 will be held at Will Call for pick-up on Saturday, May 18. Will Call is located in the building east of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, at 931 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, and opens at 8:00 am.
Guests arriving early may pick up their tickets as early as Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm at the location above.
Is my Wright Plus ticket tax-deductible?
Proceeds from the sale of Wright Plus tickets benefit the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Tickets are non-refundable. The value of goods or services received with a ticket for Wright Plus 2013 is $40. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.
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 to 5 pm. You may need to wait in line to view some buildings.
What is included with my ticket?
Wright Plus 2013 tickets include entry to eight private homes plus three public buildings. The homes are open only on Saturday, May 18, 2013.
Your ticket will allow entry to the three public buildings—the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Unity Temple and the Robie House—during Wright Plus weekend or for any regular public tour through December 31, 2013.
Can I see the Robie House on Wright Plus 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 from the housewalk. Your Wright Plus 2013 ticket allows you to visit the Robie House through December 31, 2013. Check hours for public tours.
Does the housewalk require walking, standing or stair climbing? Is it handicapped accessible?
The tour sites are all within approximately a one-mile radius. Walking or biking is possible. Buses will shuttle housewalk visitors to and from nearby parking, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (also serves as the Orientation Center in 2013) 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 or pack seats to sit on while they wait; these may be checked at the door of each house. You can purchase a pack seat here.
Are there rest areas besides at the Home and Studio Courtyard?
Our Cheney Mansion Oasis (220 N. Euclid Ave) offers a convenient rest area on the tour route. Your Wright Plus ticket gets you entry to the gardens and seating on the patio or in the solarium from 10 am to 4 pm. Restroom facilities will also be available here.
Where does the housewalk start? Where should I park?
Begin the housewalk by getting a tour map, available only at our Orientation Center: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park. The map pickup site, open 8 am to 1 pm, is at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio complex itself.
Event parking information, as well as driving directions and information on planning your day, will be mailed to you with your ticket and will be available at this website in April 2013.
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 to 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.
Back by popular demand: 2013 Wright Plus Housewalk Fast Pass. This higher price ticket allows you to enter tour buildings with the next available group, avoiding tour lines and waiting. Very limited availability. Ultimate Plus guests receive a Fast Pass with the Ultimate Plus package.
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 bags?
Yes. We offer free bag check for shop purchases and personal items. Please note that large bags, knapsacks, etc., are not allowed in the tour homes.
Accommodations
Where can I stay?
The Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Oak Brook Terrace is offering a special Wright Plus rate of $79/night (5/16/13 - 5/19/2013). The hotel is at 1000 Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace, IL, approximately 15 minutes drive time from Oak Park. Make a booking.
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.
Our Ultimate Plus Weekend package includes three nights' deluxe accommodation at the historic Carleton of Oak Park, Official Hotel of Wright Plus 2013.
Food and Shopping
Is lunch available during the Wright Plus housewalk?
Yes. Pre-orders are now closed. You may pick up your pre-ordered lunch between 11 am and 3 pm at the Wright Plus concessions tent. A limited number of lunches will be available for purchase at the Wright Plus concessions tent.
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 throughout the day.
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.
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
Take the Eisenhower Expressway, I-290, 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 the 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.
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. When you purchase tickets you may also purchase travel insurance to protect the value of your trip.More questions? Contact us at .