Architecture at the University of Chicago

Robie House

Brick and Wood Design

Robie House’s horizontal lines, low-pitched roof, and incorporation of natural materials mimic the midwestern landscape.

Photo by Tom Rossiter

Art Glass Windows

Frank Lloyd Wright was known for his use of leaded art glass windows, which blended the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

Photo by Andrew Bruah

Prairie Style Dining Room

Wright incorporated long bands of windows in the home’s design to maximize light filtration.

Photo by Andrew Bruah

National Landmark

Robie House is recognized as an icon of American architecture.

Photo by Tom Rossiter

Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright

Address: 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s world-famous Robie House, designed for businessman Frederick C. Robie between 1908 and 1910, has been a National Historic Landmark since 1963. The structure is often cited as the best example of the Prairie style.

The inspiration for Wright’s celebrated Prairie style was the American Midwest, and in particular, its flat, expansive plains. Prairie style homes distinguish themselves through their strong exterior horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, long bands of windows, and natural materials. In particular, the structures incorporate brick and wood into their design. One of the most well-known features of these homes is their use of art glass windows, which blend interior and exterior spaces through their soft filtration of light.

Visitors can experience the Prairie style firsthand through a variety of tours available from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Robie House is open for tours during most holidays, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year's Day.

Best-selling children's author Blue Balliett discusses the communicative elements of architecture in Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House.

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