Last Updated on January 2, 2024
If you love Florida history and architecture, make sure you take a tour of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world.
The stories and artistry behind America’s most celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright are not only fascinating but visually in a league of their own!
How fortunate we are that they are part of Central Florida’s eclectic landscape.
Florida Factoid: The oldest private college in Florida, originally known as South Florida Institute, is Florida Southern College.
The Life of Frank Lloyd Wright
Wright was born June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, less than 25 miles from the site of his famous home, Taliesin, in Spring Green.
Among his many other architectural achievements is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, the Fallingwater House in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, and also the SC Johnson Wax Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin.
As you may or may not know, Florida Southern College is home to 13 Wright-designed structures, 12 were built during the architect’s lifetime and under his supervision.
The newest addition, the Usonian Faculty House, was designed by Wright in 1939 but wasn’t built until 2013.
National Historic Landmark
In 2012, the Florida Southern College Historic District was also designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior for being the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.
The legendary designer had a 20-year relationship with the College, following his first campus visit in 1936.
Developing a “Temple of Education”, Wright’s distinctively modern vision of “organic architecture” emphasized simplicity and natural beauty and was also ahead of its time on many levels.
Tours of Florida Southern College
Whether you prefer a self-guided tour or a more in-depth tour by a docent, there’s only one mandatory requirement. Be sure to bring your camera!
We took the two-hour and a half docent-led in-depth tour. It’s $50 per person and includes many interiors, which are just as stunning as the exteriors.
There is also a $35 90-minute tour as well as a $15 tour of the Usonian House.
You may purchase a map for $5 for a self-guided tour. It does not allow you to see the interiors.
No matter what your tour preference, start off your journey at the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center.
The Center provides you with an overview of Wright’s relationship with the College. There’s also a great gift shop with lots of interesting books, art, souvenirs, etc..
The Usonian House
Located next to the Center is the Usonian House. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Usonian House in 1939 as one of twenty faculty houses.
Usonia was a word to describe his vision for the United States, including the planning of cities and buildings. USONIA – United States of North America … Usonian refers to the residential portion of his vision.
You immediately notice that Wright used natural light, low ceilings, and also minimalistic furnishings.
Some of the places we visited were the Water Dome, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Danforth Chapel, and also the E.T. Roux Library.
We also had the opportunity to visit several classrooms and lecture halls. Classes were in session and we couldn’t help but wonder if the students appreciated their unique campus as much as we did.
Reservations are strongly recommended for every tour. Guests arriving on the tour day are accommodated based on tour guide availability.
You may make reservations online or also by calling: 863.680.4597.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
If you visit between November 1 and May 1, there’s also a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the “Child of the Sun” campus. This tour takes visitors to spaces not included on any of our other tours.
This also includes the interior of the only planetarium designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Child of the Sun tour costs $125 per person and is limited to 10 people.
If you’re looking for other fun and unique things to do, check out our favorite things to do in Winter Park, about an hour away from Lakeland!
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IS THERE A PHONE NUMBER TO SCHEDUAL A TOUR WOTH A GUIDE?
Try 863.680.4597. Tours can be booked online at https://www.flsouthern.edu/frank-lloyd-wright/tours.aspx. Happy Holidays!