Robie House, Chicago
Designed in 1908 by Frank Lloyd Wright for a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer, this house ranks among the world's most renowned structures. Remarkably poised, resembling a grand steamship at anchor, it embodies the distilled essence of Wright's Prairie style and marks the pinnacle of his quest for a new architectural vision. Additionally, it is among the final Prairie houses Wright created, as during its construction, he abandoned both his Oak Park practice and his family to embark on a new phase of his illustrious career.
Taking inspiration from the flat expanses of the Midwestern prairie and aiming to establish a distinctly American architectural style, Wright conceived a predominantly horizontal dwelling for Frederick Robie. The cantilevered roof appears to hover gracefully over the building, extending an impressive 20 feet from its supports. The primary floor unfolds as a fluid, open space devoid of walls or partitions, with the fireplace serving as a visual divider between the living and dining areas.
In his pursuit of aesthetic consistency, Wright was willing to sacrifice practicality, evident in his decision to exclude downspouts from the building's drainage system, resulting in nearly a century of water damage to the pavements. Wright's commitment to unification extended to every aspect of the project – he meticulously designed everything, from the structure itself to the landscaping, light fixtures, chairs, and even the attire for the Robies' two children. His unexpected visits to ensure that all elements remained in their intended positions became known, and the Robies devised a strategy to rearrange the rooms before inviting him in.
Following the Robie family's financial downfall, the house changed hands several times in quick succession. In 1926, it was acquired by the Chicago Theological Seminary, which transformed it into student housing, causing significant damage in the process. By 1957, the Seminary had amassed enough funds to pursue its original plan of demolishing the structure entirely. It took the philanthropic intervention of businessman William Zeckendorff to rescue the house, which he subsequently donated to the University of Chicago in 1963. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Hyde Park residence underwent a $2.9 million restoration in 2019. Guided tours are available from Thursday through Monday.
Taking inspiration from the flat expanses of the Midwestern prairie and aiming to establish a distinctly American architectural style, Wright conceived a predominantly horizontal dwelling for Frederick Robie. The cantilevered roof appears to hover gracefully over the building, extending an impressive 20 feet from its supports. The primary floor unfolds as a fluid, open space devoid of walls or partitions, with the fireplace serving as a visual divider between the living and dining areas.
In his pursuit of aesthetic consistency, Wright was willing to sacrifice practicality, evident in his decision to exclude downspouts from the building's drainage system, resulting in nearly a century of water damage to the pavements. Wright's commitment to unification extended to every aspect of the project – he meticulously designed everything, from the structure itself to the landscaping, light fixtures, chairs, and even the attire for the Robies' two children. His unexpected visits to ensure that all elements remained in their intended positions became known, and the Robies devised a strategy to rearrange the rooms before inviting him in.
Following the Robie family's financial downfall, the house changed hands several times in quick succession. In 1926, it was acquired by the Chicago Theological Seminary, which transformed it into student housing, causing significant damage in the process. By 1957, the Seminary had amassed enough funds to pursue its original plan of demolishing the structure entirely. It took the philanthropic intervention of businessman William Zeckendorff to rescue the house, which he subsequently donated to the University of Chicago in 1963. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Hyde Park residence underwent a $2.9 million restoration in 2019. Guided tours are available from Thursday through Monday.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Robie House on Map
Sight Name: Robie House
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such “forever free and open” space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S. Grant.
Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
University of Chicago Walking Tour
Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is among the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. As of 2020, the University’s students, faculty and staff have included 100 Nobel laureates, giving it the fourth-most affiliated Nobel laureates of any university.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Set in the heart of Chicago’s famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront – for kids as well as adults – that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a “tourist trap”, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour
Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy, having long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Holabird & Root, and others. The multi-layered Loop District, in particular, offers an extensive number of Chicago’s famous architectural “must-sees” – from modern skyscrapers to historic buildings... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you’ll find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
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