Taliesin West, the home and studio of American master architect Frank Lloyd Wright, announced that it would be offering discounted tour prices in August, plus a robust schedule of new daily tours, youth and family programming as well as cultural and wellness experiences taking place at this national historic landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taliesin West is the counterpart to Taliesin, Wright’s primary home and studio in Wisconsin, a press release explained.
Started in 1938 as a modest camp for himself and his apprentices in the Taliesin Fellowship program, it served as a respite from the harsh Midwestern winters. As the fellowship grew, so did Taliesin West and the distinctive buildings made of desert masonry and wood were added to the site and modified over time, the release stated.
Seasonally, Wright moved between the two sites with his family and apprentices each year until the time of his death in 1959. Today, Taliesin West is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually to experience its unique architecture through tours and enriching public programming, according to the release.
“We want people to look at Taliesin West differently,” Alexandra Freyermuth, the manager of cultural programs at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, stated in the release. “We go beyond only offering tours to curate experiences that expand people’s engagement with the ethos here. This fall, we’re presenting happy hours, a book club, wellness programs and more.”
Visitors can explore Taliesin West through guided and audio tours. For the month of August and for the first time ever, visitors will also enjoy a $4 discount on the price of admission. Advance purchase of tour tickets is recommended.
Some of the tours offered include a home & studio tour, a highlights audio tour, an in-depth guided tour and a sacred spaces exhibition, which is a traveling attraction that features 32 large-scale photographs of 13 examples of architecture designed by Wright that all share a masterful use of light and connection to the surrounding landscape.
As for cultural programming to be offered, that includes:
- Book Club, September through May on the first Wednesday from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., $12 per ticket
- Wellness Programs, September through May on the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., $25 per ticket
- Sunsets and Sips Happy Hour on the second and fourth Thursdays from October to May from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in October, April & May and 5 – 7 p.m. in November to March. $35 per ticket
- Discovery Days from Oct. 29 to 30 from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
- "In Conversation" on Nov. 11 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 each.
The Foundation’s youth and family programs department also hosts a variety of activities for children of all ages to learn more about Wright’s principles of organic architecture.
Through both hands-on in-person and virtual opportunities, students can discover Wright’s ideas and philosophies that continue to influence the way that society lives and builds today, the release explained.
On select Saturday mornings starting in September, Taliesin West welcomes families for some architecture-inspired fun with guided family tours and themed workshops.
Program prices, dates and times are subject to change or cancellation. For the most up-to-date information on programs at Taliesin West, to book a tour, to donate or to become a member, visit FrankLloydWright.org for tour schedules, cultural and educational experiences and events.