Things to Do at Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House

Complete Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House in Buffalo

About Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House

Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House stands as one of the architect's most celebrated Prairie School masterpieces, completed in 1905 in Buffalo's historic Parkside neighborhood. This sprawling complex was designed for Darwin D. Martin, a wealthy Buffalo businessman and Larkin Company executive, and represents Wright's vision of horizontal living integrated with nature. The original estate encompassed six interconnected structures covering nearly an entire city block, featuring Wright's signature low-pitched roofs, extensive art glass windows, and open floor plans that revolutionized American residential architecture. After decades of deterioration and partial demolition, Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House underwent a meticulous $50 million restoration completed in 2009, returning the complex to its original glory. Today, visitors can explore the main house, conservatory, pergola, carriage house, barns, and the reconstructed gardener's cottage, all showcasing Wright's innovative design principles and his collaboration with artisans who created custom furniture, lighting, and decorative elements specifically for this commission.

What to See & Do

Tree of Life Window

Marvel at Wright's most famous art glass design featuring a stylized tree motif that spans 15 feet across the main house's reception hall, considered one of his greatest decorative achievements

Prairie House Interior

Experience Wright's revolutionary open floor plan concept through the main house's flowing spaces, built-in furniture, and horizontal emphasis that connects interior rooms while maintaining distinct functional areas

Conservatory and Pergola

Walk through the restored glass conservatory filled with period-appropriate plantings and follow the pergola's geometric pathway that demonstrates Wright's integration of architecture with landscape design

Original Wright-Designed Furniture

View authentic pieces created specifically for Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House, including dining chairs, tables, and built-in cabinetry that complement the home's architectural lines

Carriage House and Grounds

Explore the supporting structures and landscaped grounds that show Wright's complete approach to designing entire living environments rather than isolated buildings

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tours operate Tuesday through Sunday with varying seasonal schedules. House tours run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last tour departing at 3:30 PM. Closed Mondays except holiday Mondays.

Tickets & Pricing

Guided house tours cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (65+), and $12 for students with ID. Children under 6 are free. Specialty tours and group rates available. Advanced reservations strongly recommended through the official website.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during late spring through early fall (May-October) when the gardens are in bloom and natural light best showcases Wright's art glass windows. Tuesday through Thursday typically offer smaller tour groups.

Suggested Duration

Standard guided tours last 90 minutes. Allow 2-3 hours total including time to explore the visitor center, gift shop, and exterior grounds at Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House.

Getting There

Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House is located at 125 Jewett Parkway in Buffalo's Parkside neighborhood, easily accessible by car with free on-site parking available. From downtown Buffalo, drive east on Delavan Avenue for about 2 miles, then turn north on Jewett Parkway. The house is also reachable via NFTA Metro Bus Route 20 (Elmwood) with a stop at Elmwood and Forest, followed by a short walk east on Forest Avenue to Jewett Parkway. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car.

Things to Do Nearby

Buffalo Zoo
Located adjacent to Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House in Delaware Park, this historic zoo features over 1,000 animals and is one of the oldest zoos in the United States

Albright-Knox Art Gallery
World-renowned modern art museum in Delaware Park showcasing contemporary and modern masterpieces, just a 10-minute drive from the Martin House

Forest Lawn Cemetery
Historic cemetery featuring elaborate Victorian monuments and mausoleums, including the graves of President Millard Fillmore and other Buffalo luminaries, located 1 mile south

Elmwood Village
Trendy neighborhood strip along Elmwood Avenue offering eclectic dining, shopping, and nightlife options within walking distance of Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House

Buffalo Museum of Science
Interactive science museum featuring planetarium shows, natural history exhibits, and hands-on displays, situated in nearby Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Tips & Advice

Wear comfortable walking shoes as Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House tours involve standing and walking on original hardwood floors for 90 minutes with limited seating opportunities.

Photography is permitted in designated areas of Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited to protect the historic interiors and art glass.

Arrive 15 minutes early to browse the visitor center exhibits that provide helpful context about Wright's design philosophy and the Martin family history before your house tour begins.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House tours are limited to 12 people and frequently sell out, especially during peak tourist season and weekends, so book tickets well in advance online.