Tales of a Tourist

I did make some time to be a tourist in Chicagoland. I was able to schedule tours at two of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Oak Park, including his home and studio.

It really was like a “full circle” kind of moment when I was on the tour of his home. Even though he didn’t live there long, you can feel how the origin of the person and the design aesthetic began. There were some more traditional styles mixed with what would become his signature style.

Some interior pictures of the woodwork and a mural in a bedroom.

His office was my favorite part of that tour.

In late May, I had a chance to tour the Robie House as well. The lighting and the glass art were beautiful in this home.

Based on what I’ve learned about Frank Lloyd Wright over the dozen or so houses I’ve toured, I don’t think he’d be my first pick for an architect. I admire his work, love the art glass, and can truly appreciate his style, but living in the FLW house would be a nightmare – leaky roofs, dark spaces, and uncomfortable, built-in furnishings.

On a particularly adventurous day, I drove into the city proper for some museum time and a boat tour on the river.

I saw some pretty famous art the Art Institute of Chicago and also saw some art that I really liked.

The Chagall stained glass windows were incredible, and I was surprised and delighted to see a Monet winter scene and an O’Keefe that was not set in the southwest.

There was so much to see, but I think I did get to every wing of the institute and would highly recommend it if you have a few hours in Chicago.

I also saw the “bean” from a distance when I was walking to the Art Institute.

I thought I could fit all of the tourist stuff in one post, but alas, I am tired, so one more about Chicagoland, and then we’ll be off to Michigan.