taliesin

We visited Taliesin in June 2014. Students were in the process of settling in for their summer session. This is one of several interesting sites in the area, so I think would make a nice weekend trip from the Chicago area. You need to take one of the bus tours to see the property. I think they are reasonably priced and worthwhile. To get a different point of view, you might want to read the memoir "Loving Frank" before visiting Taliesin. This is a memoir told from his long-time mistress's view. Taliesin was built for her. Visit the cemetery across the road. FLW's former gravesite is here, as well as his mistress's gravesite. The Unity Chapel nearby is supposed to have been one of the architect's first projects.

My sister and I came here on the day before the season ended and tours were over for this spot, home to FLW aunt's progressive school and later his workshop and where he trained architects. His house, where he lived with his mistress and later his wife, are also part of the tour. It was a very chilly day in south central Wisconsin the day of our tour. It began at the gift shop with our tour guide Bryan. We boarded a bus and headed to a church and the spot where FLW was buried (or at least his grave stone is located). From there, we reboarded the bus and headed to the school he built for his aunts. This is where his students (and current students) live and learn and where his aunts ran a progressive school. It was colder inside the building than outside (no insulation) and the interior seems a bit run down, with spider webs and bugs around. Still very cool and we saw the theatre where plays were performed by students and a tapestry (also in need of repair) that his wife surprised him with on his 90th birthday. After that, we left and walked to the main house. We saw the windmill named Romeo and Juliet (which has a surprise to it) and went to his house, which thankfully, had heat, as well as cookies and drinks as a break. It was a four hour tour (there are different length tours) with quite a bit of walking. Our tour guide Bryan was very knowledgeable and nice. This spot really needs financial assistance, since it needs constant upkeep and a lot has been deferred. We were returned to the visitor center, where we stayed for lunch.

We booked a longer tour a few weeks in advance, and glad we did. Our tour was full, as there are only so many seats on the bus. The docent was very knowledgeable and charming, and there is a lot to explain and many stories to tell. Our tour required a good bit of standing and walking, with times to sit now and then. If touring during warmer months, apply bug spray before touring. We didn't try the restaurant but it has a very nice view over the river.

comparing flw architecture is fascinating. this is a lovely location and a superb example of the flw canon. it is the summer headquarters for the education opportunity in the east; taliesin west the other. it does need funds as is often usual for a new form, especially flw's, it is hard to maintain. this is worth private and public funds. the grounds are very very nice and extensive. i would return.

Yes, I am a loyal Frank Lloyd Wright fan and I have been to many of his projects and Taliesin West. I have been anticipating this visit for years and thinking it would be the showstopping house that I imagined.Reality check - the ticket price is $50 per person and goes to a very admirable cause, the FLW foundation for maintaining this iconic property. The disappointment is the property has the appearance that it is falling apart and there are many maintenance issues. For starters, it needs a good paint job. I was also disappointed in the lack of heat in the residential part which was a chilly experience inside. How can this house survive in Wisconsin without heat? Tour guide was outstanding.

We had an excellent 2 hr tour of the site. Guide was very informative. We have seen much of FLW"s work but this was our favourite. The setting alone is spectacular

What can I say I love Frank's home and buildings...but the travel guide felt the need to tell me I was "walking around with a scowl on my face" I replied "Do not say that to me". No need to visit somewhere that you get insulted for your appearance at, especially when you pay $85 a ticket. If I was a different ethnicity they would be facing harsher criticism.

We love Frank Loyd Wright and booked the estate tour. This is long and requires a lot of walking including uphill. This was on their website but some people in our tour either did not see this or did not realize the extent. Our tour guide was Margaret and I'd highly recommend asking when she is giving the tour. She is full of energy and passion for this place and it made the tour even more special!

We stumbled on the Spring Green Architectural Tour, also dubbed the unofficial FLW self driving tour, by chance while on a quest to find the best cheese factories in this part of Wisconsin. The tour took us the better half of an afternoon and away from the cheese factories but was both educational and enlightening. First we stopped by Taliesin in Spring Green and got directions and an introduction of FLW's works. Ask about other FLW sites in the area. The Spring Green Architectural Tour is made up of a collection of architecture which has been designed or influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. Some of these buildings are open for public viewing. You can get a list of these buildings and their addresses here: http://legacy.springgreen.com/things-to-do/architectural-driving-tour/

Took the four hour estate tour. Definitely recommend, as it will give you a great overview of the entire premises, as well as all the repairs that are being made to preserve this historic treasure.

We visited Taliesin on a sunny Sat. morning on 10/10/14 and took the two hour Highlights Tour covering the Hillside Hall, Studio, Theater and Taliesin. This tour is limited to 21 people as this is the seating capacity of the mini-bus that takes you around. We purchased tickets on line, strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Photos are permitted only exterior to the buildings. We benefitted greatly by viewing the film Frank Lloyd Wright: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick at home before our visit which provided the context for this house as a part his overall accomplishments as well as how the house figured in his family life. A 15 minute introductory film is available for viewing in the gift shop. Our docent, Peggy, was informative and politely took the group's photo taking needs into account. She encouraged participation by soliciting questions and comments along the way. Some of the interior spaces were so appealing that it was difficult keeping my camera in its bag and my finger off its shutter button! On the other hand, one is astonished at those right angle chairs that were tortuous to sit in and the wrap around band of window glass panes that meet at right angles in the corners of the house that have gaps of nearly 1/8 inch and let in the cold and the rain! Pretty, maybe. Practical, no! Perhaps that is why FLW used Taliesin only as a summer house and why it is closed to tours over the winter. If he had focused more on performance, perhaps he might have become the inventor of double pane windows! The Highlights Tour worked well for us and the great views of the surrounding Wisconsin countryside were a memorable plus, see photos. Location, location, location!

Our highlights tour gave us a satisfying look at an American original, whose life was as complicated as his art. On a beautiful day, we explored his home, his life and his art. Hard to beat. Even had a quick lunch in the beautiful dining room in the reception center.

By all means, go and see it. I was lucky enough to be the only person on a tour so I had the volunteer guide all to myself, but even without this bonus, Taliesin will convince you of the genius of FLW.With all its quirks, the residence is impressive because it is alive. People live on the premises, verious repairs go on all the time, so one does not visit an artificial museum but a place full of real life.To comment on the architectural values would, of course, be quite inappropriate...

In the quaint and beautiful town of Spring Green, Wisconsin...is the curious and amazing grounds and homes of the Frank Lloyd Wright estate...I did not know what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed the tour, views, architecture and history of this eclectic place...you do have to duck through doorways and hallways and your neck gets stiff but it was a most interesting experience....I found myself overwhelmed by the vast acres of well manicured gardens and sunflowers, they were just gorgeous! a truly amazing....I would go again...

Took the guided tour of the Hillside School and Home. It was most enjoyable and informative. Judy, the tour guide was well informed and respected Mr. Wright and his works. We also got some insight into the Mr. Wright, the man. Nice gift shop and restaurant too.