Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House

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"Buffalo found itself in the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse, drawing countless visitors to witness the celestial event."

A 12-Stop Road Trip of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most Surprising Designs

"The Martin House complex in Buffalo, New York, is considered one of the greatest achievements of Frank Lloyd Wright’s career. Though it didn’t receive quite the same level of fame as some of the architect’s other masterpieces, such as the Guggenheim and Fallingwater, this Buffalo home had something special: It was one of Wright’s personal favorites. It was also nearly lost forever. The Martin “House” is actually a multi-structure residential complex built for businessman Darwin D. Martin and his family between 1903 and 1907. Every last element of the home was designed by Wright with magnificent attention to detail, including the furniture, fixtures, decor, and the nearly 400 intricately designed pieces of stained glass. A highlight of the space, the windows act as screens that reflect the light in distinct patterns to connect the precisely landscaped gardens outside with the interior layout. Wright himself called the house “a well-nigh perfect composition,” often referring to it as his “opus.”  Despite being located in the middle of a vibrant industrial city, the Martin House was the quintessential example of the “Prairie” style Wright championed. This modern, groundbreaking style was characterized by its use of open space, horizontal lines, and natural materials, evoking the wide open plains of the United States Midwest. The estate also included the Barton House (built for Martin’s sister and brother-in-law), a pergola, conservatory, carriage house, and gardener’s cottage: All architectural marvels in their own right. When Martin died in 1935, the complex was abandoned. The vacant buildings stood forgotten and deteriorating for nearly two decades. In fact, the carriage house, conservatory, and pergola didn’t make it; they were demolished in the 1960s. Fortunately, the site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and restoration efforts began in 1992. The lost structures were rebuilt, and the Martin House was painstakingly restored to its original, nigh-perfect beauty." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1903 for a wealthy businessman, the Martin House is one of Buffalo’s architectural masterpieces. Situated in the beautiful Parkside neighborhood, it stands out among the restored Victorian homes and canopy of old-growth trees for its Prairie house style, complete with strong horizontal lines, deeply overhanging eaves, and a sheltering, cantilevered roof. A pergola connects the home to a conservatory and carriage house with chauffeur’s quarters and stables, while a smaller residence and gardener’s cottage sit nearby. Over the decades, the complex suffered considerable damage and three of the original five buildings were destroyed, but in 1992, the Martin House Restoration Corporation was formed to raise funds and oversee a complete restoration. Extensive reconstruction efforts began in 1997 and are ongoing today, but visitors can now experience the property on a variety of tours. Choose from one- and two-hour options to see details like Wright-designed furniture, art glass, and light fixtures, or pick a themed tour like the Twilight, Photography+, or Wright Night. Either way, save time to check out the conservatory, anchored by a stunning replica of the Nike of Samothrace statue."

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"American architect Frank Lloyd Wright considered the Martin House one of his most important buildings, and critics agreed. Built for Darwin D. Martin and his family in the early 20th century, the complex exemplifies Wright’s iconic Prairie style, which features horizontal lines and flat roofs. In order to see the house, you’ll have to book a tour in advance; you can choose from several options that range from one hour to a full day exploring all of Wright’s projects in the city." - Stefanie Waldek

Wright called this Prairie masterpiece his “opus.” Docent-led tours reveal intricate art glass, restored landscape, and the pergola–conservatory axis. Highlighted by Architectural Digest and Condé Nast Traveler, it’s a definitive Buffalo experience for design lovers.