We are a lucky duo. After a private invitation to come tour the Darwin Martin House this past weekend, we were brought back to center- remembering what a damn cool place Buffalo is.
World famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed this Prairie Era home for Darwin D. Martin between 1903 and 1905 and it is filled with his art glass windows, overhanging eaves, original Japanese print collections, and the recently restored central fireplace that leaves you breathless. It is a Buffalo staple and definitely should be on your radar for discovering everything incredible that is in your local backyard.
Buffalo is home to one of Wright’s most prominent and distinguished works- and that is something to take advantage of as a WNYer. You HAVE to experience this. Our adventure brought us together with other well-known Buffalo bloggers and influencers- Kevin (and his gal Krista) of Rise Collaborative, Elizabeth of Buffalo Black Book, Bryan from Visit Buffalo Niagara, Sean and Jackie of Wrafterbuilt, Kevin of @buffalony, Michele of @michelesgoldfarb, Stephanie of @artiswhy, Step Out Buffalo (how did we not run in to you!?), Julia of @juliaguliaaa…a room filled with those who knew each other from their Instagram handles. I have no doubt it was entertaining to watch us all meet! We were led through the house by Executive Director, Mary Roberts, who gave us not only historical knowledge but behind-the-scenes fun facts on the Martin family and Wright himself.
After a 25 year restoration process, the Martin House is complete and it’s perfect timing- June 8th is Frank Lloyd Wright’s 150th birthday! To celebrate, the Martin House is hosting 150 hours of parties, lectures, cocktail evenings, and exhibits. On Thursday 6/8, the self-guided tours are $1.50! Did you see that? A DOLLAR FIFTY.
See the events happening now through June 11
It is incredible seeing this home amidst the Parkside neighborhood. Other local Wright designs can be seen at Graycliff in Derby, NY (the Martin family’s summer home)…the Blue Sky Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery…the once Larkin Administration Building (demolished in 1950…ughhhhh let’s not talk about it)… and the replicated design of the Filling Station (gas station) that lives inside the Pierce Arrow Museum downtown. How lucky are we, people??
Our top picks:
Wednesday 6/7: Cocktails with The Dapper Goose from 4-7pm
Thursday 6/8: Happy BDay, Frank! $1.50 tours 10-3…Flying Bison and music 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday 6/10: Family tours with games & Ted’a Hot Dog truck..also yoga for the kiddos from Parkside Yoga 12-3pm
Sunday 6/11: Party! BW’s BBQ ($10) and music from the Colored Musicians Club (free!)
*there are also events at Graycliff!
