Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius has seen a renewed interest over the past
few years, and Fallingwater is one of his most widely acclaimed
architectural works. The retreat in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania
was designed in 1936 for the family of Pittsburgh department store owner
Edgar J. Kaufmann. Built as a vacation home in the mountains, Fallingwater’s setting is unique because of the waterfall it rests upon.
The falls along Bear Run had been a focal point of the Kaufmann family’s
activities for many years, and they suggested the area around the falls
as a possible location for the home. They were unprepared for Wright’s
idea that the house rise over the waterfall rather than face it. But the
architect’s scheme was adopted almost without change.
Completed with a guest and service wing in 1939, Fallingwater was
constructed of sandstone quarried on the property and was laid by local
craftsmen. The stone serves to separate reinforced concrete "trays,"
forming living and bedroom levels which are dramatically cantilevered
over the stream. Throughout the house, Wright’s remarkable use of space,
materials, and nature combine to give the home its own character and
grace. Fallingwater is the only remaining great Wright house with its
setting, original furnishings, and art work intact.
Fallingwater served as the Kaufmann’s weekend home from 1937 to 1963,
when the house, its contents, and grounds were presented to the Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy by Edgar Kaufmann, Jr.
The house is located about three miles north of Ohiopyle, PA. on Rt. 381
and is open for tours from mid-March through Thanksgiving, everyday
except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During December the house is open
for tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends only and during the week
between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Fallingwater is closed in January
and February.
The cost of admission is $16 for Adults and $10 for Youths (ages 6-12).
Tours last approximately 45 minutes and reservations are required to
guarantee admission. Comfortable shoes are a must as there is
considerable walking and many steps involved in the tour.
When tours are full, visitors may view the grounds and exterior of the
house for $6 per person. Tours are designed for adults and children
under six will not be permitted on the regular tour, under nine on an
in-depth tour. In addition, pets are not permitted on the grounds.
For more information, or to make reservations, call Fallingwater at:
(724) 329-8501.
