This past weekend saw the grand opening of the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum, a museum dedicated to the works of that legendary architect. A great introduction to the museum featuring director Frey Bravin, curator Rosalie Oldrich, and Pathfinder Linden can be found on the official Second Life blog.
The first building acts as a traditional museum with displays of photographs, sketches, and blueprints. One gallery focuses on the architect and his family. Another room contains sketches of his work. Two galleries are dedicated to the Kaufman house, also known as Fallingwater. On the top floor of this building are photographs and notecards detailing many of his works. Also nearby are a gift shop and a lounge area, called the Wright Place.
The rest of the museum is an immersive experience. Several of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works have been recreated on the property and are open to explore. Look for the teleport pads on the ground for an easy way to get to each location. There are buildings from each period in his life – Prairie School, Usonian, and organic architecture – including Fallingwater. The builders who recreated these homes did a wonderful job with the structures and textures.
Being able to wander through the houses gives a completely different impression than simply looking at a picture of them. The experience is what being in-world is about. By spending time inside the houses, I got a sense of what it was like to live inside a work of art. The buildings were gorgeous inside and out, but the owners also had to live with the limitations and inconveniences of the architect’s vision.
Frank Lloyd Wright was recognized by the American Institute of Architects as “the greatest American architect of all time” in 1991. Take a look yourself to understand why.
Prim Perfect 