Bachman-Wilson House at Crystal Bridges
This house is an example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s classic Usonian architecture.
Compared to his highly customized homes, these were simpler, lower-cost houses designed to be within the reach of the average middle-class American family, without sacrificing quality. This house was originally built for Gloria Bachman Wilson and Abraham Wilson in 1954 along the Millstone River in New Jersey. It was subsequently purchased by architect/designer team Lawrence and Sharon Tarantino in 1988 and meticulously restored. However, the structure was threatened by repeated flooding at its original location, and the Tarantinos eventually determined that selling the house to an institution willing to relocate it was the best option for its preservation. Crystal Bridges acquired the house in 2013. The entire structure was then taken apart and each component was labeled, packed, and loaded into two trucks for transportation to the Museum. After its 1,235 mile journey, the Bachman-Wilson House arrived in Northwest Arkansas in April, 2014. Scott Eccleston, Crystal Bridges’ Director of Operations, spearheaded the reconstruction process. The Frank Lloyd Wright house is now situated a short distance from the Museum’s south entrance, with views overlooking the native woodlands and Crystal Spring.
*General admission: a self-guided experience, available each day except Tuesday.
*Guided tours: one-hour tours will be offered five days per week (no tours Tuesday or Friday). These are indoor and outdoor experiences led by specially trained volunteer Tour Guides.
*For groups of 10 or more: please make your ticket reservations for the Frank Lloyd Wright House by calling Laura Beasley, Guest Services Team Leader: 479.418.5746, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
