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

The Darwin D. Martin House, completed in 1905, stands as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most significant Prairie School masterpieces and his largest residential commission. This sprawling complex in Buffalo's Parkside neighborhood showcases Wright's revolutionary approach to domestic architecture, featuring his signature horizontal lines, natural materials, and innovative integration with the surrounding landscape. The house was built for Darwin D. Martin, a wealthy executive of the Larkin Soap Company, who became one of Wright's most important patrons. After decades of deterioration and partial demolition, the Martin House underwent one of America's most ambitious architectural restoration projects, completed in 2009. Today, visitors can experience Wright's vision fully realized, from the intricate art glass windows and custom-designed furniture to the revolutionary open floor plans that would influence residential design for generations. The restored complex includes the main house, conservatory, pergola, carriage house, and the smaller Barton House, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Wright's Prairie School philosophy.

The Martin House is located at 125 Jewett Parkway in Buffalo's historic Parkside neighborhood, easily accessible by car with free on-site parking. From downtown Buffalo, it's a 10-minute drive via Main Street or Delaware Avenue. The site is accessible via NFTA Metro Bus routes, with the closest stop on Main Street. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away, and the house is within walking distance of Delaware Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.