FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT COLLECTION FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE

Child of the Sun

By  Mike Miller  Updated August 22,  2023

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous American architects in history.  He designed unique homes and commercial buildings all over the world.

The largest collection of his work in one location is on the campus of Florida Southern College on Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida.

Frank Lloyd Wright in 1954Frank Lloyd Wright in 1954 AT 87 Years Old

Wright was born in 1867 and died in 1959, leaving his distinctive creative touches on buildings all over the world during his long career.

Vintage Postcard Annie Pfeiffer ChapelVintage Postcard Annie Pfeiffer Chapel

Thirteen structures on campus were designed by Wright, and are still functional today.

Florida Southern Annie Pfieffer Building
Frank Lloyd Wright Annie Pfeiffer Chapel
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

This collection is named Child of the Sun, and includes the first of Wright's buildings to be completed, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel.

Frank Lloyd Wright Building at Florida Southern CollegeFrank Lloyd Wright Building at Florida Southern College

The chapel was started in 1938, dedicated in 1941 and partially restored in 2007.

Florida Southern College Classroom WalkwayFlorida Southern College Classroom Walkway

Other buildings are in various stages of restoration, and the entire campus is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Child of the Sun Visitor Center offers guided tours of the Wright buildings during summer for $15/person for a basic one hour tour, and $45/person for a two and one half hour in-depth tour.

Florida Southern College PostcardFlorida Southern College Postcard

They also offer many other tours such as "Wright After Dark" and other imaginative themes.

Self-guided free walking tours are also available all of the time, and tour maps are liberally located throughout the campus.

Frank Lloyd Wright Walkway
Walkway at Florida SouthernCaption
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

The visitor center is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, and Sunday 2pm4pm.

The grounds are open 24 hours/day and many of the buildings are open.

Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Home at Florida Southern CollegeFrank Lloyd Wright Usonian Home at Florida Southern College

You can call 863-680- 4597 for more information.

Florida Southern College is located at 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801. Crank that into your GPS and make a visit!

TOURS OF FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT COLLECTION


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