Robert M. Lamp House
1 / 12

Robert M. Lamp House

4.2
·5 reviews·Madison, United States

A rare urban Usonian home by Frank Lloyd Wright, offering a glimpse into his design for the common man. Private residence, exterior viewing only.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for exterior viewing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Robert M. Lamp House

Robert M. Lamp House

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for exterior viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rare urban Usonian home by Frank Lloyd Wright, offering a glimpse into his design for the common man. Private residence, exterior viewing only.

4.2
(5 reviews)

"It's cool to find a FLW house randomly in the middle of the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

Respect Private Property

Admire from the street; it's a private residence. No trespassing! :noentrysign:

Best Viewing Angle

Approach from N Butler Street for the clearest views of the Lamp House. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Usonian Architecture

Usonian Architecture

Exterior view

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative Usonian design, intended for middle-income families. A rare urban example.

Urban FLW Gem

Urban FLW Gem

Street view from N Butler St

Discover a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece nestled within a city block, a unique find for architecture enthusiasts.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse of FLW's Vision

The Robert M. Lamp House, a Frank Lloyd Wright design, is a private residence. While not open for tours, its unique architecture offers a glimpse into Wright's Usonian principles for the common man. Appreciate it from the street.

Street View Only

This historic home is a private rental property, often occupied by students. Access is limited to exterior views from public streets. Respect the residents' privacy and admire the architecture from afar.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for exterior viewing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The first Usonian House by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937, Jacobs House I in Madison, Wisconsin. #archimarathontv #architravel #architecturetravel #architecturelesson #architectureeducation #wisconsinarchitecture
@archimarathon
36.7K likes • 461K views

Respect Private Property

Admire from the street; it's a private residence. No trespassing! :noentrysign: Reddit

Best Viewing Angle

Approach from N Butler Street for the clearest views of the Lamp House. :camerawithflash: Reddit

Rare Frank Lloyd Wright lamp sets new auction record for the icon of American design. Auctioneer Oliver Barker brought the architect’s Double-Pedestal Lamp to $7.5 million after a seven-minute bidding battle.   Created in 1903 for the Susan Lawrence Dana House, the lamp distills Wright’s architectural genius into a single, luminous form—like a miniature house rendered in glass and bronze. Only two...
@sothebys
28.1K likes • 783.2K views
This home — built in 1950s by Frank Lloyd Wright disciple Robert Rasmussen — has lived rent-free in my head since visited it a year ago. Seriously, I think about it roughly three times a week. And can you blame me? It’s been almost completely untouched since it was built, with amazing mid-century modern features like walnut paneling, a circular kitchen and bathroom with vi rage appliances/fixtures...
@homes_with_max
21.5K likes • 406.8K views

Local Trivia

A cool piece of Madison history, best enjoyed as local trivia. :bulb: Reddit

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

Respect Private Property

Admire from the street; it's a private residence. No trespassing! :noentrysign: Reddit

Best Viewing Angle

Approach from N Butler Street for the clearest views of the Lamp House. :camerawithflash: Reddit

Local Trivia

A cool piece of Madison history, best enjoyed as local trivia. :bulb: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Robert M. Lamp House is a notable Frank Lloyd Wright design, appreciated for its Usonian architecture. However, as a private residence, it's inaccessible for tours, limiting views to the exterior from public streets. Its urban setting makes it a unique find, though its privacy is a key consideration for visitors.

"The Lamp House. If you're keeping score of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings visited, you'll want this one just off the Capitol Square in Madison Wisconsin. The building was and probably still is a rental residence, and I've heard it's often rented by students at UW Madison. Therefore the home is not open for tours. The home in in the center of a block surrounded by other homes so it's difficult even to get good views of the building. The best views for the public are from N Butler St, not E Mifflin St. There was an attempt made by some in the city to prevent neighbors from building structures that would block the home's view of the nearby lake but I believe that even the owner of the Lamp House was opposed to the idea."

Craig W

"It's cool to find a FLW house randomly in the middle of the city. At the same time, it's private property, and you can't really get a good look at it. It makes for better local trivia than as a place to visit."

Josh Pagano

"Very cool!
Best approached from Butler street."

Odysseas

What People Like

Unique FLW design
Usonian architecture
Urban rarity

What People Dislike

Not open for tours
Limited exterior view

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Robert M. Lamp House is located in Madison, Wisconsin, near Capitol Square. It's best accessed by car or public transport to the downtown area. Parking can be challenging in this urban setting, so consider ride-sharing or public transit. Reddit

Yes, Madison's public bus system serves the Capitol Square area, which is a short walk from the Lamp House. Check local transit schedules for routes and times. :bus: Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Robert M. Lamp House is a private rental residence and is not open for public tours. Visitors can only view the exterior from the street. :noentrysign: Reddit

As it's a private residence, there are no official visiting hours. The best time to view the exterior is during daylight hours to appreciate the architecture. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best vantage point for photography is from N Butler Street, offering clearer views of the house. Be mindful of private property and residents when taking photos. :camerawithflash: Reddit

While exterior photography from public sidewalks is generally acceptable, always be respectful of the property and its occupants. Avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

🎫 💡 Interesting Facts

The Robert M. Lamp House was designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It's an example of his Usonian style, intended for middle-income families. TikTok

It's significant as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian houses located within a city block, offering a rare urban example of his design philosophy for the 'common man'. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Lamp House is a private rental residence, often occupied by students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Architecture Enthusiasts

For fans of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Robert M. Lamp House is a must-see, even if only from the exterior. It represents his Usonian principles in an urban context, a less common but equally significant aspect of his work. Make sure to approach from N Butler Street for the best viewing angle and appreciate the innovative design that aimed to bring quality architecture to the middle class. TikTokReddit

Local Explorers

If you're exploring Madison, Wisconsin, the Lamp House offers a unique piece of local trivia. It's a chance to spot a Frank Lloyd Wright design unexpectedly nestled within the city. While you can't tour it, knowing its history and appreciating its exterior from the street adds a layer of discovery to your urban exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Usonian Vision

The Robert M. Lamp House is a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian architectural concept. Introduced in the late 1930s, Usonian homes were designed to be affordable, efficient, and integrated with their natural surroundings. Wright envisioned these homes as a democratic ideal, making good design accessible to the middle class. Key features often include flat roofs, open floor plans, natural materials like wood and stone, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The Lamp House, though an urban dwelling, embodies these principles, showcasing Wright's commitment to functional beauty for everyday living. TikTok

An Urban Anomaly

Finding a Frank Lloyd Wright house in the middle of a city block is a rarity. The Robert M. Lamp House stands out precisely because of its urban setting, contrasting with many of Wright's more secluded, nature-integrated designs. This placement makes it a unique point of interest for architecture enthusiasts and locals alike. While its private nature limits direct access, its presence serves as a reminder that Wright's influence extended beyond sprawling estates to more accessible urban environments. Reddit

Appreciating from Afar

Since the Robert M. Lamp House is a private residence, visitors can only appreciate its architectural merit from the public street. The best views are reportedly from N Butler Street, offering a clearer perspective of the home's design. It's important to remember that the house is often occupied, so respecting the residents' privacy is paramount. While you can't step inside, a drive-by or a short walk to view its exterior can still be a rewarding experience for fans of Frank Lloyd Wright's work. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2