Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
5
Monday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Martin House (Buffalo, NY, 1903-05) exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie House ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Tour schedules change throughout the year, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date schedule as you plan your visit. Designed for Larkin Soap Company executive, Darwin D. Martin, the multi-residential estate is a one-of-a-kind composition consisting of the main Martin House, the Barton House, a carriage house with chauffeur’s quarters and stables, a glass-roofed conservatory linked to the main house by a 100-foot pergola, and a gardener’s cottage. Tours explore the restored and reconstructed buildings, surrounding landscape, and an extensive collection of art glass and furnishings, all designed by Wright, which together form a totally integrated architectural masterwork. We welcome you to this National Historic Landmark.
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- John1 contributionA wonderful experience by architect coupleWonderful experience. The restoration of the Martin House, and reconstruction of the pergola, conservatory, and carriage house was masterful, and reflects the fifty million dollar investment by the dedicated non profit organization. The Martin House itself was artfully restored. The art work windows, fireplaces, and open-concept design executed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905——-WOW. We enjoyed this FLW estate, the modern info pavilion, the grounds, the gift shop, and cafe with its outdoor terrace. We also enjoyed walking to see another 1905 FLW residence done for another executive of the Larkin company. Our docent was gracious and very well informed, and answered many questions by our small tour group.Thank you so much for visiting the Martin House and sharing your experience on TripAdvisor! We're so glad you enjoyed visiting the site and experiencing the restoration.Written 19 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 October 2023
- Jennifer GToronto, Canada7 contributionsA step back in time!This is a must see Frank Lloyd Wright house. You are really able to learn about the man as well as the design of the house. Wish we had done the 2 hr tour. Kim our docent was fantastic! Very pleasant , knowledgeable and always kind enough to answer questions. There is so much great history here. Thoroughly enjoyable.Thank you so much for visiting the Martin House and sharing your experience on TripAdvisor! We're so glad you enjoyed your tour with Kim and hope to welcome you back soon.Written 19 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 October 2023
- Griffin G3 contributionsImpressed by the Martin HouseThe Martin house by Frank Lloyd Wright was a highlight of our trip to Buffalo. Unbelievable detail, history, and architecture made this tour engaging and impressive. Even skeptics walked away thoroughly impressed with how enjoyable it was. Recommend paying more for the longer tour to get the full experience.Thank you so much for visiting the Martin House and sharing your experience on TripAdvisor! We're so glad you enjoyed your Martin House Plus tour and hope to welcome you back soon.Written 26 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- Joan DDelaware9 contributionsUnfortunate policy that will not allow photos of this amazing interior.I have toured numerous Wright buildings and made a special pilgrimage to see this one. It is spectacular! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos of the interior. There was no explanation of this policy, which is unique in my experience. Taliesin in Spring Green, Taliesin West, the Oak Park home and studio, Unity Temple, the Johnson Wax Building, Fallingwater - I have photos of all of their interiors. But not the Martin House. I don't understand. No flash is necessary, so light exposure is not an issue. Our group of six for the extended tour was at no risk of lagging behind or wandering off. Is it intended to boost sales of 'official' books/guides? I would truly like to know.Thank you so much for visiting the Martin House and sharing your experience on TripAdvisor! Our photography policy is in place for safety, mainly. But, more broadly, there are two main reasons: one, public safety and collections care -- we provide open access to these historic spaces without any velvet ropes and we want to prevent any accidents. Second, photography can be distracting to guests and lead to interruptions on tours as folks can be so focused on getting the perfect shot, they don't pay attention to the people and objects around them. Thus our Photography Tours, where we can provide the space and focus for photographers to take photos to their heart's content! We hope to welcome you back on one of our Photography Tours sometime soon.Written 26 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 October 2023
- Jan BSkaneateles, New York120 contributionsTake the two-hour tour - 90 minutes just whet my appetiteThe docent who led our tour gave us an outstanding overview of the history of the house and the people who lived there. She expertly explained the various architectural elements and Wright’s reasons for different aspects of the design. Fascinating tour and an amazing house.Thank you so much for visiting the Martin House and sharing your experience on TripAdvisor! We're so glad you enjoyed your docent-led tour and hope to welcome you back soon.Written 26 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 October 2023
- TrueNorth67Barrie, Canada190 contributionsWonderful afternoonOur docent Dave really made our 2 hour tour. His knowledge of the property and enthusiasm made for what could have been a dry history lesson a fun and interesting tour of a one of a kind property. Our second visit to the Martin House, first was before the $50 million dollar renovation was completed. Wonderful shop and Cafe. We plan to visit again one summer when the flowers and and trees are in full bloom A true gem that Buffalo should be proud of.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 March 2024
- EmmaChicoutimi, Canada8 contributionsWorth it!This was so interesting! The two-hour tour didn't feel too long and the tour guides were knowledgeable and nice. I'd recommend this to anyone with an interest in architecture and historic restoration and preservation. Photos aren't allowed inside the houses and touching is not allowed - keep that in mind if you're visiting with rambunctious kids. Well worth the time and money!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 March 2024
- Andrew T11 contributionsAmazing Home.This house is so beautifully restored and presented as such. The docent that led the tour was very knowledgeable about the house, its restoration and its original owner and architect. Frank Loyd Wright designed some beautiful homes in his time, this one is most definitely one of them. Worth the visit if in Buffalo ! 🦬Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- maureen mCambridge, Massachusetts54 contributionsBuffalo has a real treasure with this restored historic masterpieceOur last-minute decision to visit here while driving by Buffalo on a long distance road trip was one of the best decisions we made! Beautiful and authentic restorations to the home were stunning. 90 minute tour with expert docent was wonderful; great balance of history, FLW designs and artistic appreciation.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 April 2024
- Susan RManlius, New York5 contributionsTake this tour if you are hereWere in Buffalo for an event on Saturday evening. Drove in early and visited the museum. We took the 2 hour tour. Shout out to our guide Dave. He did a fantastic job in going through the history of both the owner and Frank Lloyd Wright as well as some of the local history of the time. Would highly recommend this tour!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1 691 reviews
Excellent
1 401
Very good
234
Average
43
Poor
8
Terrible
5
Jill G
Green Bay, WI249 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Great activity to do in Buffalo. Highly recommend booking a tour in advance, there are limited spots available on each tour. You can walk around the grounds for free but a tour is required to go inside the house. Our tour guide was excellent! She had a lot of knowledge about the house and history of the area. Great example of Wright’s architecture!
Written 15 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy you had a great experience! Thank you for choosing to spend your time with us.
Written 19 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brendan S
Arlington, VA2 175 contributions
Sept 2021
The Martin House is one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses I have toured that actually seem livable to me. This huge house has amazing interior spaces and all of the hallmarks of the FLW Prairie Style on the exterior and interior. While the Martin House is the centerpiece of the property, it is actually one of multiple building on a complex that includes a smaller cottage, a carriage house, a greenhouse and gardens, and a small visitors' center with photos of the Martin family and house under construction and as lived in. The standard 75-minute tour takes visitors through most of the Martin House, greenhouse and carriage house. A longer tour goes into the cottage and other areas, but the standard tour seemed like it covered all the significant areas. The guide was less knowledgeable than other guides I have had at FLW houses, but maybe others are better.
Written 18 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the kind words! The restoration has been a decades-long community effort, and we love sharing the results with visitors. Sorry to hear about your experience with the guide. All of our docents are volunteers and typically receive rave reviews. Lastly, thank you for choosing the spend time with us.
Written 20 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TennesseePam
18 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We (myself, my husband and my mom) were in the area and wanted to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin house but tickets weren’t available online. We took a chance and showed up anyway. We got lucky. We had missed 5 minutes of the tour but were able to jump in with the group and see this amazing house and grounds. Faith was our tour guide and I liked her right away. I enjoyed every minute of this tour. No pictures inside which actually let me enjoy the tour even more although, if allowed, I’m sure I would have been snapping away. I highly recommend any of the tours. We were limited on time and chose the 75 minute tour. I would love to go back for more. Add this to your itinerary. You won’t regret it! Thanks, Faith! You’re so good at what you do and you knew all the answers to our questions. 5 out of 5 stars from Tennessee. 😁
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so happy to read all of this! And we will absolutely let Faith know how much you enjoyed the experience with her as a docent. Thank you for choosing to spend time at the Martin House and in our great city!
Written 10 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dilki d
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The amazing architecture and design was outstanding while we also learned about his way of life and philosophy representative of an iconic designer. Frank Lloyd Wright was clearly futuristic. The tour guide was informative and passionate, and made the visit very interesting.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CleopatraBunny
Flagstaff, AZ1 818 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We tried to your the interior on a Wednesday morning it tours were only available in the afternoon. Gift shop is only open Thursday to Saturday. Still, we were able to walk around the grounds and garden for free. Well worth a stop if you’re a FLW fan or enjoy gardens and architecture!
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry you were not able to experience a tour. We hope to be able to welcome you to the Martin House again!
Written 27 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mikes1951
Florida10 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This is a spectacular house with beautiful gardens and an amazing history having been resurrected from an abandoned near wreck. We have visited numerous Frank Lloyd Wright creations and this is one of the best. Our tour guide Roger was exceptional with his presentation, knowledge and enthusiasm being one among the best we’ve ever encountered.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the kind words about Roger. Our docents are the best!
Written 27 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
184Howard
Toronto, Canada17 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
I have now visited three times , through different stages of restoration.
This is a must do for anyone, especially someone with an aesthetic sensibility.
I recommend the intensive architectural tour of the Darwin Martin Housing Complex as a five star afternoon outing.
This is a must do for anyone, especially someone with an aesthetic sensibility.
I recommend the intensive architectural tour of the Darwin Martin Housing Complex as a five star afternoon outing.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorraine H
Buffalo, NY5 contributions
Jun 2021
Visiting this house is like a trip back in time and represents an amazing blend of the two styles of Wright and Martin. You need to spend at least an hour here to truly appreciate the genius of the design and construction of this magnificent home. The foundation has done an excellent job on the restoration and maintaining the property for future generations. It is a truly unique and fascinating piece of history.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the kind review! It was actually a group of local concerned citizens - not the foundation - who formed the Martin House Restoration Corporation in the early 90's to inspire the community to save the Martin House. With the help of New York State, Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and tons of community members and organizations, here we are! Restored, reconstructed, and gorgeous!
Written 4 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris V
1 contribution
Nov 2021
The house is amazing! The tour was thorough and our tour guide, Lou, was pleasant, knowledgeable, and extremely accommodating. I highly recommend taking the time to learn about the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and then go see it in person.
It was a wonderful experience!
It was a wonderful experience!
Written 19 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so happy you had a 5-star experience. Thank you for making time to visit the Martin House!
Written 22 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy S
Alliance, OH35 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We had a great self-guided tour. The docents are very helpful and knowledgeable! The restoration is great! While another reviewer mentioned that you can’t tell what is original to what is restored - that’s the point! This home sat EMPTY for many years, after many original fixtures (the beautiful windows) were sold off. It’s definitely worth a visit! Seeing the stained-glass with sunlight shining is simply breathtaking!
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So happy to hear you had a wonderful tour experience, and thank you for sharing with others. A special thank you for choosing to spend time at the Martin House estate, and we hope to welcome you again! Stay well.
Written 14 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are only two of us so the self-guided tour is the most cost effective at this time. Is there signage or headphones for people doing the self-guided tour so that they understand the different points of interest along the way.
Written 17 August 2020
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
Thank you for reaching out. We are not utilizing headphones at this time due to COVID, but we have developed easy to understand paper guides that will inform you as you wander from space to space. In addition, there are knowledgeable docents present in every room to answer questions along the way! You will also find a free estate map that explains the public art on display and the different locations on the grounds as you explore the exterior. Hope we see you soon!
Written 17 August 2020
Do you allow well supervised children? If so, do you have any age restriction? My husband and I have seen many FLW properties including Martin House and Greycliff, and would like to bring our 1-yo who is interested in architecture. Thx
Written 12 August 2019
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
Thank you for your interest in visiting the Martin House! Children are welcome. The one-hour tours are suitable for all ages (though strollers are not permitted in the house due to space limitations). Two-hour tours are not recommended for children under five. Please note that we also have a number of offerings throughout the year for children, including an annual Family Fun Day and summer camps.
Written 14 August 2019
Do you allow well supervised children? If so, do you have any age restriction? My husband and I have seen many FLW properties including Martin House and Greycliff, and would like to bring our 1-yo who is interested in architecture. Thx
Written 12 August 2019
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
Thank you for your interest in visiting the Martin House! Children are welcome. The one-hour tours are suitable for all ages (though strollers are not permitted in the house due to space limitations). Two-hour tours are not recommended for children under five. Please note that we also have a number of offerings throughout the year for children, including an annual Family Fun Day and summer camps.
Written 14 August 2019
if you were going to see just one of FLW's houses in Buffalo area would you go to Graycliffs or Martin House?
Written 20 April 2019
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
Hello Rob!
We hope by now you have had a chance to take a tour of the Martin House, and Graycliff. If you did get a chance to come and visit the Martin house, I would love to hear how your experience was, and if there was anything we could do to improve our tours!
Thank you,
Caleb
Written 23 June 2019
Hi - 2 ladies coming from Oakville ON for the weekend, mainly to see this attraction. What is a good hotel close by to stay at overnight that is also close to a bit of nightlife/restaurants etc. Also is it better to do the 1 or 2 hour tour? Also, thinking of visiting Graycilff during the visit - worthwhile?
Written 5 September 2017
we stayed at the Parkside House b and b - really close by and within walking distance from FLW house - historic area really leafy quiet streets yet close to restaurants and lovely local pub where we ate
Sorry didn't reply sooner enjoy your stay wherever it takes you and do the two hour tour for sure - we're english and knew little of FLW but thoroughly enjoyed it. Julie
Written 9 September 2017
We are staying downtown and want to take the metro. It this in a safe area to walk to from the metro stop? I see it's only .4 miles, just questioning the surrounding area. Thanks!
Written 20 August 2017
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
The walk from the metro stop is easy and in a safe area.
Written 27 August 2017
Is the 1 hour tour Ok for someone with limited walking capacity (COPD)?
Written 15 October 2016
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
The one-hour tour visits the first floor of the Martin House. There are seven stairs leading into the house and a lift for those unable to climb stairs. The restoration of the first floor is complete so there are no more restoration fumes at this time. Work will continue on the second floor in 2017. There are places to sit on the tour - please alert your tour guide if you need to sit during your tour.
Written 1 December 2016
Beside the zoo parking lot where to pArk. Want to spend most of day exploring area. Have small rv and coming from Toronto Thanks
Written 5 September 2016
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
There is ample on-street parking available near the Martin House. The Buffalo Zoo parking lot is 180 paces from the walkway to the Gratbatch Pavilion (visitor's center) where the tour begins. We look forward to your visit!
Written 20 September 2016
we visited the Gray Cliff House while it was being restored in April of 2014, and we were very disappointed as most rooms were either off limits or too much of a "work in progress" to be enjoyed . We will be in Buffalo oward the end of may 2016 and would like to visit the Martin house ; would you say that with the modified tour that is offered now we will feel that we are not being too restricted by the restoration in progress?
Written 22 February 2016
FLWMARTINHOUSE
Buffalo, New York
At the end of May we will be offering our 90-Minute Tour. This tour visits both floors of the Barton House (1903). This house designed for Darwin Martin's sister is not under restoration. You will stroll past the east lawn and learn about the Wright/Burley-Griffin designed landscape (yet to be installed) and visit the Darwin Martin House (1904-5). In May you have the opportunity to see the west side of the house, the master bedroom on the second floor, the pergola, conservatory and Carriage House. The focus of the tour is the site, plan, structure and materials of this unbudgeted house in contract to the more middle class Barton House. Based on all of the things you do have the opportunity to see, the viewing window into the restoration in process, and the response of visitors to date it should be a positive experience.
Written 22 February 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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