Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets
How can I purchase a Wright Plus ticket?
Wright Plus 2011 is sold out. Tickets are no longer available.
Wright Plus 2012 will be held on June 2, 2012. To receive information, send your email address to .
Can I buy tickets at the event?
Wright Plus 2011 is sold out. Typically, tickets for the housewalk, the Ultimate Plus weekend package and the other events of Wright Plus weekend have 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 7, call tollfree 877.848.3559.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 2011 tickets include entry to eight private homes plus three public buildings. The homes are open only on Saturday, May 21, 2011.
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, 2011.
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 2011 ticket allows you to visit the Robie House through December 31, 2011.
Does the housewalk require walking, standing or stair climbing? Is it handicapped accessible?
Wright Plus 2011 is an all-walking tour without shuttle buses. For 2011, the tour sites are all located within a four-block radius in the lovely, pedestrian-friendly historic district adjacent to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Visitors should anticipate being on their feet much of the day. 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?
View the brochure with directions and maps to Oak Park and to event parking, as well as information on planning your day.
Begin the housewalk by getting a tour map, available only at our Orientation Center: Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St. in Oak Park. The map pickup site, open 8 am to 1 pm, is a short walk from parking and public transit stops, as shown.
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.
New this year: FAST PASS for Ultimate Plus guests. Our full weekend immersion package, Ultimate Plus, now includes new Fast Pass entry to tour buildings. Ultimate Plus guests avoid tour lines, entering tour buildings with the next available group.
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 and food
Where can I stay?
The JW Marriott Chicago (151 W. Adams Street, Chicago) offers Wright Plus guests a special rate May 19-May 22. Click here to make your reservation. The special rate code is pre-entered. For phone reservations, call 800.228.9290 and mention the Frank Lloyd Wright room block. Cutoff date to reserve rooms with this offer is May 15, 2011.
Our Ultimate Plus Weekend package includes three nights’ deluxe accommodation at the historic Carleton of Oak Park, Official Hotel of Wright Plus 2011.
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 at this Website through May 15. Lunches will be available for pick-up between 11 am and 3 pm.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.
If you cannot use your ticket, you can send us the unused ticket by June 15, 2011 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 .