Wright Stuff in the City of Angels: Your Guide to Touring Frank Lloyd Wright in LA
Looking to spice up your sightseeing in LA with a dash of architectural genius? Then ditch the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a pilgrimage to the pioneering designs of Frank Lloyd Wright! We're talking geometric shapes, open floor plans, and enough cantilevered awesomeness to make your jaw drop faster than a Dodgers fastball.
But wait, there's a twist! Unlike that time you tried In-N-Out for the first time and realized there's only one location (kidding, there are like, a million), LA boasts a surprising number of Wright creations. So, buckle up, design enthusiasts, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of Wright's finest in the City of Angels!
The Grand Dame: Hollyhock House
The OG: This flamboyant number, nicknamed for the owner's favorite flower (because obviously), is LA's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 1920s, it's a masterpiece of Mayan Revival style, all geometric shapes, cascading terraces, and enough terracotta to make a Roman emperor blush. Bonus points: Unlike some finicky museums, Hollyhock House lets you explore at your own pace with a handy guidebook, or you can snag a docent to answer your burning questions about cantilevers and Wright's love affair with the color ochre.
Pro-Tip: Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the view of the sprawling Barnsdall Art Park after your tour. Just avoid spilling your avocado toast on the meticulously manicured lawns – those docents have eyes like hawks!
Beyond the Main Stage: A Peek at Wright's Other LA Creations
For the Wright Devotees: While Hollyhock House steals the show, LA has a few other Wright-designed gems waiting to be discovered. Take a peek at the Samuel Freeman House, a Usonian masterpiece perched on a hillside overlooking the city. This private residence isn't open for tours, but hey, a little architectural voyeurism never hurt anyone (well, maybe except the homeowners). Feeling adventurous? Join a walking tour to explore the Ennis House, which achieved pop culture fame in the neo-noir classic "Blade Runner." Just be prepared for some serious renovation vibes – this beauty is currently undergoing a facelift.
For the Tour Bus Skip-Squad: If you're tired of the tourist traps, consider exploring the Sowden House, also known as the "Jaws" house thanks to its, ahem, interesting roofline. This private residence isn't open to the public either, but a quick internet search will reveal some pretty spectacular exterior shots.
So there you have it, architecture aficionados! Your guide to experiencing the brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright in the heart of LA. With a little planning and a dash of Wright-obsessed enthusiasm, you'll be channeling your inner architectural historian in no time. Now get out there and explore – just remember, respect private property lines, and maybe avoid quoting "Ayn Rand is my muse" while admiring the Hollyhock House. They might take you a little too seriously.
