Immerse Yourself in Wright in the Laurel Highlands
About 90 minutes east of downtown Pittsburgh in the Allegheny Mountains sits a magnificent 3,000-square-mile expanse of ridges and valleys called the Laurel Highlands. Rich in natural heritage, history and beauty, the region attracts millions of visitors each year to enjoy its many offerings of outdoor recreation, parks, resorts, arts and cultural amenities.
About 90 minutes east of downtown Pittsburgh in the Allegheny Mountains sits a magnificent 3,000-square-mile expanse of ridges and valleys called the Laurel Highlands. Rich in natural heritage, history and beauty, the region attracts millions of visitors each year to enjoy its many offerings of outdoor recreation, parks, resorts, arts and cultural amenities.
Among the cultural amenities are three separate locations – Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob and Polymath Park – that display Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic architecture in four unique houses. To fully appreciate Wright’s visionary designs and understand the true artistic and cultural importance of his legacy, you’re encouraged to experience all three locations over two or more days.
Among the cultural amenities are three separate locations – Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob and Polymath Park – that display Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic architecture in four unique houses. To fully appreciate Wright’s visionary designs and understand the true artistic and cultural importance of his legacy, you’re encouraged to experience all three locations over two or more days.
Each location is open to the public for tours that explore Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, which promotes harmony between people and nature through design. The immersive and authentic experience of touring these places allows you to explore the fascinating stories of the families that once lived in these remarkable houses while also learning how Wright revolutionized architecture by taking inspiration from nature.
Fallingwater
Fallingwater is open to the public as a museum operated by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the nonprofit organization to which Edgar Kaufmann jr. donated the property in 1963. To tour Fallingwater, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged due to space limitations.
Website: Fallingwater.org
Address: 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464
Customer Service/Main Phone Number: 724-329-8501
Fallingwater, one of the world’s best-known private residences, was designed by Wright in 1935 for the family of Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar J. Kaufmann. Recognized for its astonishing architecture and natural setting Fallingwater was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019, along with seven other Wright-designed buildings across the U.S.
A series of three horizontal cantilevered floors, stacked one upon the other, appear to soar with no support, outward over a 30-foot waterfall below. Fallingwater masterfully integrates reinforced concrete, steel and glass – along with the natural materials of wood and native stone – to create a unique building with daring cantilevered construction which stretched the limits of design and technology of the period. Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture is exemplified in Fallingwater, which promotes harmony between people and nature through design. Visitors can shop, dine and learn more at the on site Visitors Center.
Fallingwater is now open to the public as a museum operated by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the nonprofit organization to which Edgar Kaufmann jr. donated the property in 1963. To tour Fallingwater, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged due to space limitations.
Website: Fallingwater.org
Address: 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464
Customer Service/Main Phone Number: 724-329-8501
Polymath Park is located in Acme, Pa., which is approximately 22 miles from Fallingwater. With its peaceful integration into nature, Polymath Park’s immersive experience awaits you with its Wright Overnight lodging and cozy fine dining in the award-winning Tree Tops Restaurant. To book tours, lodging and dining reservations, or for more information, visit the website.
Website: Polymathpark.com
Address: 187 Evergreen Lane, Acme, Pa., 15610
Customer Service/Main Phone Number: 877-833-7829
Wright at Polymath Park is a collection of two Wright-designed houses and two houses from Peter Berndtson, a Wright apprentice. The Wright-designed houses, Mäntylä and the Duncan House, were saved from demolition and relocated to the property from other states. These homes provide examples of Wright’s Usonian-style architecture and design techniques.
Polymath Park is located in Acme, Pa., which is approximately 22 miles from Fallingwater. With its peaceful integration into nature, Polymath Park’s immersive experience awaits you with its Wright Overnight lodging and cozy fine dining in the award-winning Tree Tops Restaurant. To book tours, lodging and dining reservations, or for more information, visit the website.
Website: Polymathpark.com
Address: 187 Evergreen Lane, Acme, Pa., 15610
Customer Service/Main Phone Number: 877-833-7829
Kentuck Knob
Kentuck Knob’s construction materials of native sandstone and tidewater red cypress blend naturally with the surroundings. A must-see sculpture garden featuring more than 35 major works enhances the visitor’s experience, and a former greenhouse now serves as the visitor center with a gift shop and a café.
Website: KentuckKnob.com
Address: 723 Kentuck Road, Chalk Hill, Pa., 15421
Customer Service/Main Phone Number: 724-329-1901
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the last decade of his career, Kentuck Knob is nestled high in the western Pennsylvania mountains 7 miles south of Fallingwater. The hexagonal Usonian home is constructed of native sandstone, tidewater cypress and copper, blending naturally with its surroundings in true Wrightian harmony.
Kentuck Knob’s construction materials of native sandstone and tidewater red cypress blend naturally with the surroundings. A must-see sculpture garden featuring more than 35 major works enhances the visitor’s experience, and a former greenhouse now serves as the visitor center with a gift shop and a café.
Website: KentuckKnob.com
Address: 723 Kentuck Road, Chalk Hill, Pa., 15421
Customer Service/Main Phone Number: 724-329-1901
