What To Expect When Touring The Martin House in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, New York, is a city renowned for its architectural brilliance. From grand Art Deco landmarks to cutting-edge modern designs, it’s a dream destination for lovers of architecture, design, art, and history. But if there’s one architectural gem that truly stands above the rest, it’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House.

Considered one of Wright’s most significant works, this Prairie-style masterpiece is far more than just a historic home. A tour here is a truly unforgettable experience. Built between 1903 and 1905 for businessman Darwin D. Martin, the house is a breathtaking showcase of Wright’s visionary design, featuring intricate stained-glass windows, sweeping horizontal lines, and a seamless connection to nature.

Whether you’re a Buffalo native or you’re planning to visit for the first time, the Martin House is a must-see. Architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and admirers of stunning spaces alike will be captivated by this National Historic Landmark!

So, what can you expect when touring this world-class site? From its awe-inspiring interiors to the story of its restoration, this guide will cover everything you need to know. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

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Where is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House?

The Martin House is centrally located in the charming Parkside neighborhood of North Buffalo. Nestled on Jewett Parkway, the home blends beautifully with its surroundings while still standing out.

If you’re traveling from outside Buffalo, the easiest route is via the New York State Thruway (I-90). From Parkside Avenue, you will make a right onto Jewett Parkway. If you’re coming from downtown Buffalo, take Main Street (Route 5) north to Summit Avenue, then turn left onto Jewett Parkway.

For visitors using public transportation, NFTA Metro Bus Route 8 stops near the site. The Amherst Street Metro Rail Station is about a 15-minute walk away.

No matter how you arrive, just know you’re in for an unforgettable experience!

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Choosing and Booking Your Martin House Tour

When planning your visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, selecting the right tour is important! To help you choose your perfect experience, here is an overview of the two most popular tour options:

1. Martin House Tour

This 75-minute, docent-led tour provides an in-depth look into Wright’s innovative design concepts. You’ll explore the primary first-floor rooms of the Martin House, the pergola connecting the main house to the conservatory, the conservatory itself, and the carriage house

2. Martin House Plus Tour

For a more comprehensive experience, the two-hour Martin House Plus Tour includes everything in the standard tour, with the addition of the Barton House and Gardener’s Cottage. This extended tour offers a deeper understanding of the estate’s history and architecture.

There are several other tour options that can be explored on the Martin House’s website. This includes private tours and self-guided options. Advance ticket purchase is required for all tours. To secure your spot, visit the Martin House’s website and reserve tickets for every member of your party, including no-cost tickets for children under 8 and members. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit from beginning to end.

What to Expect Upon Arrival at The Martin House

From the moment you step onto the Martin House campus, you can feel the magic of Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision coming to life. The layout of the Martin House is very inviting and makes it easy for visitors to navigate. You will see a sign for the Visitor Pavilion. This will lead you to a striking glass-walled building that beautifully contrasts with the historic estate beyond. This is where your tour will start.

As you head inside you will be greeted by a welcoming staff member. They will provide you with a wristband for your tour. From there you’ll take a seat in the intimate auditorium, where your docent for the day introduces themselves and sets the stage for what’s to come. A short introductory video immerses you in the world of Frank Lloyd Wright and Darwin D. Martin, offering fascinating insights into their upbringings and the partnership that led to the creation of this architectural masterpiece. The film sets the perfect tone, giving you a deeper appreciation for the remarkable home you’re about to explore.

Once the introductory video concludes and you’ve had a moment to get acquainted with your docent, the tour kicks off! You’ll start by getting an introduction to the exterior architecture and the unique Roman brick Wright used to construct the home. If you’re visiting on a chilly day, it’s a good idea to bring a coat, as this portion of the tour takes place outside before heading indoors.

An Overview of The Tour

I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the 75-minute Martin House Tour, so for the sake of this article, I’ll share what you can expect from this specific tour.

As you step through the front door, you’ll immediately begin to understand Wright’s architectural genius. How he subtly manipulates movement to draw people inside, directing their focus toward grand design elements while allowing practical aspects, like the staircase, to blend into the background.

The first room you’ll explore is one of the most important. The reception room is where the Martin family spent much of their time and entertained guests. This space perfectly embodies Wright’s philosophy. It features intricate stained-glass windows, a striking central fireplace, and custom-designed furniture that enhances the home’s seamless aesthetic. Your docent will share insights into the artwork on the walls and explain how Wright specifically created nearly every piece of furniture for this house, reflecting his vision of a fully integrated design.

From here, the tour continues into the dining room. This space showcases Wright’s signature compression and release technique—where ceilings are lower upon entry, creating a cozy atmosphere, before opening into a more spacious, grander setting. Wright designed the dining area, adorning it with his signature geometric-designed chairs and a long wooden table to encourage intimate family gatherings while still maintaining a sense of elegance and order. You’ll also get to experience the library where the Martins stored their book collection. This room radiates warmth and intellect, with built-in, hidden bookshelves, rich wooden details, and inviting seating areas.

One of the most breathtaking stops on the Martin House Tour is the conservatory. As you step inside, the lush greenery, vaulted glass ceiling, and the elegant cast of the Winged Victory of Samothrace will immediately draw you in. Known for incorporating art into his designs, Wright made this statue a striking focal point within the conservatory, adding a timeless artistic touch to the space.

Special Exhibits at The Martin House

One of the most compelling exhibitions currently on display at the Martin House is The Space She Keeps. It will be running from February 14 to June 2, 2025. This thoughtfully curated exhibit celebrates the women who lived and worked within the Martin House. You’ll get a deeper understanding of their lives, roles, and contributions during the early 20th century. Through a collection of personal artifacts, archival materials, photographs, and historical objects, visitors gain insight into the experiences of these women and the larger societal shifts taking place at the time.

The exhibit explores a variety of themes, including education, suffrage, the arts, social reform, travel, leisure, and women’s labor—both in the household and in the workforce. Each display paints a vivid picture of the evolving roles of women in this era. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts, feminists, and anyone interested in the social dynamics of the past.

Visitors can experience The Space She Keeps as part of any Martin House tour. Exhibition admission is included with tour tickets. However, if you prefer to visit the exhibit on its own, exhibition-only tickets are available for $15 per person. There is also free entry for Martin House members.

If you aren’t able to make it for this exhibit, be sure to keep a lookout for any future exhibits that may be taking place.

Other Exciting Things to Keep in Mind For Your Visit

The fun doesn’t end once your Martin House tour is over! Your tour will conclude in the Carriage House, which also happens to be the museum gift shop. It’s such a charming spot to browse for the perfect memento to remember your visit. The shop is filled with beautiful and unique treasures, from stylish clothing and artisanal candles to stunning picture frames, handcrafted jewelry, and Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home décor. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or a keepsake to commemorate your trip, you’re bound to find something special here.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to the Statler Café. This delightful on-site café is nestled between the Barton House and the Conservatory on the north end of the estate. Here you’ll find a selection of grab-and-go options, including freshly made sandwiches, salads, and snack packs, all crafted by The Lunch Box. If you’re craving something sweet, you can indulge in Perry’s Ice Cream or classic chocolates from Parkside Candy. The Statler Café is the perfect place to eat, unwind, and reflect on your memorable Martin House tour.

Enjoy Your Tour of The Martin House

I hope this article has given you a great overview of what you can expect when touring the Martin House, and has either made you more excited for your upcoming experience there or has absolutely convinced you that you must visit one day! Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and as always, happy travels!