The exhibition celebrates the genius of one of America’s favorite architects and designers, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959), through his decorative art, furniture, tableware and art glass from the Museum’s permanent collection. The exhibition explores the relationship between his architecture and decorative art and includes pieces from 11 of Wright’s architectural projects spanning 50 years of his 70-year career. Highlights include Wright designs from the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Midway Gardens in Chicago, IL, SC Johnson Wax Building in Racine, WI, and Price Tower in Bartlesville, OK. A newly-acquired window from the Avery Coonley Playhouse and an exciting new gift to Kirkland Museum—a lamp made from two pieces of Wright-designed art glass—are also featured. By exhibiting furniture and tableware with historic photographs of their original settings, visitors are invited to consider how each object reflects the unified vision Wright designed.
“Frank Lloyd Wright is a name that many recognize as an influential American architect, but few may know he designed specific decorative art pieces to accompany his building projects,” explains Associate Museum Director Renée Albiston.
“Multiple Frank Lloyd Wright objects are found in Kirkland Museum’s permanent collection,” Albiston continues. “We can’t wait to share these intriguing examples of Wright’s work in a cohesive exhibition accompanied by a variety of programming that includes exciting lectures with internationally renowned experts and other visitor engagement opportunities throughout the rest of the year.”
Presented by Deputy Curator Christopher Herron and chosen from the collection assembled by Founding Director & Curator Hugh Grant, this special exhibition is included with admission and does not require a separate ticket.
Additional audio content for the exhibition, recorded by national experts on Frank Lloyd Wright, will be available using our virtual guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app, available for download from Google Play or the App Store.
Frank Lloyd Wright Lectures Internationally renowned experts describe the breadth and magic of Wright’s work.
Offering guests an opportunity to learn more, Kirkland Museum will present two lectures with renowned Frank Lloyd Wright experts in August and October 2022, held at the Denver Art Museum’s Sharp Auditorium. Tickets are now on sale.
“The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is pleased to support Kirkland Museum’s exhibition, and I look forward to giving a guest lecture,” says Stuart Graff, President and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. “Wright’s visionary designs were all about unifying landscapes, buildings and the other elements of design in a total work of art that had the power to make our lives better. Kirkland’s upcoming exhibition will reveal how his design principles are still relevant—and needed more than ever—in our lives and in the future.” A curator talk with Christopher Herron, Deputy Curator at Kirkland Museum, will take place in September. For more information on the exhibition and associated programming, visit KirklandMuseum.org/FLW.
The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art inspires people through the beauty of art and design presented in a unique and approachable way. The Museum carries on the curatorial vision established by Founding Director & Curator Hugh Grant (b. 1945), who was influenced by artist and educator Vance Kirkland (1904–1981). The Museum serves the general public and scholars through exhibitions, the loan of works and public programs.