Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets
How can I purchase a Wright Plus ticket?
You can purchase a Wright Plus ticket online through this website. You can also preorder box lunches, order a Wright Plus gift announcement or become a member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust (and receive ticket discounts) when you order. To order by phone: 877.848.3559. Mon – Fri, 9 am to 5 pm (CST).
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?
Tickets ship throughout the month of April via U.S. Mail. If you have not received your ticket by May 18, call toll-free 877.848.3559.
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 2012 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. Please note - Unity Temple is open from 9 am to 4 pm.
What is included with my ticket?
Wright Plus 2012 tickets include entry to eight private homes plus three public buildings. The homes are open only on Saturday, June 2, 2012.
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, 2012.
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 2012 ticket allows you to visit the Robie House through December 31, 2012. 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, 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. You can purchase a stool here.
Where does the housewalk start? Where should I park?
Begin the housewalk by getting a tour map, available only at our Orientation Center (location to be announced).
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 2012.
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. Please note - Unity Temple is open from 9 am to 4 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.
New this year: 2012 Wright Plus Housewalk Fast Pass. This limited quantity, higher price ticket allows you to enter tour buildings with the next available group, avoiding tour lines and waiting. 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?
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.
A limited number of rooms are being held at the JW Marriott in Chicago at a special rate. To reserve a room, call Marriott’s Central Reservation line at 877.303.0104 and ask for the Frank Lloyd Wright room block at the JW Chicago.
Our Ultimate Plus Weekend package includes three nights’ deluxe accommodation at the historic Carleton of Oak Park, Official Hotel of Wright Plus 2012.
Special Wright Plus rates are available May 31−June 5, 2012 (additional nights may be available upon request) at:
Hilton Suites Oak Brook Terrace ($99/night).
Click here for reservations and request the Frank Lloyd Wright/Wright Plus rates.
Hilton Garden Inn Oak Brook Terrace ($79/night)
Click here for reservations and request the Frank Lloyd Wright/Wright Plus rates.
Oak Brook Terrace is within easy access of several area attractions, including a world-class shopping center. Driving distance to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is approximately 10 miles (18 minutes).
Other Chicagoland area hotels with current availability (contact hotels or check online for rates):
Walk to CTA and METRA train stations, with direct service to downtown Chicago (approximately 12 miles). From downtown Chicago, the CTA Green Line takes you to Oak Park.
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Evanston is the home of Northwestern University, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian and the Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art.
Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC, Chicago
The Wit Hotel, Downtown Chicago
The James Hotel, Downtown Chicago
From downtown Chicago, the CTA Green Line goes to Oak Park in approximately 20 minutes. See Directions.
The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
The western suburb of Lombard houses the popular Yorktown Shopping Center. A convenient 22-minute drive from Oak Park, it is close to area attractions.
Food and Shopping
Is lunch available during the Wright Plus housewalk?
Yes. You may pre-order a box lunch at this Website through May 18. Lunches will be available for pick-up between 11 am and 3 pm in the Home and Studio courtyard.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 .