Hanna House Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Honeycomb House,' a Usonian masterpiece on Stanford campus, showcasing hexagonal design and organic architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
House is open to public
Hanna House Frank Lloyd Wright
Best Time
House is open to public
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Honeycomb House,' a Usonian masterpiece on Stanford campus, showcasing hexagonal design and organic architecture.
"Magnificent work by Frank Lloyd Wright! Highly recommended especially for the architecturally inclined."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are limited and fill up fast! Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
🤓 Learn About the Hannas
Read up on the family and their relationship with Wright. It enriches the tour experience immensely.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hexagonal Motif
Throughout the house
Wright's signature hexagonal design is everywhere, from the floor plan to the windows and furniture. A true architectural marvel.
The Living Spaces
Main living areas
Experience the open-plan living and dining areas, designed for family interaction and a connection with nature.
The Gardens and Grounds
Exterior
Explore the meticulously kept grounds, which were an integral part of Wright's design, featuring fruit trees and a pool.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Understand Its Unique Design
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are limited and fill up fast! Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
🤓 Learn About the Hannas
Read up on the family and their relationship with Wright. It enriches the tour experience immensely.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the house and grounds.
📸 Respect the Rules
Photography rules can be strict. Always check guidelines before snapping photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are limited and fill up fast! Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
🤓 Learn About the Hannas
Read up on the family and their relationship with Wright. It enriches the tour experience immensely.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the house and grounds.
📸 Respect the Rules
Photography rules can be strict. Always check guidelines before snapping photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hanna House as a magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, highlighting the knowledgeable docents and the well-preserved architecture. The unique hexagonal design and the historical context of the Hanna family are frequently mentioned as highlights. While access is limited and requires advance booking, the experience is highly recommended, especially for architecture enthusiasts.
"Magnificent work by Frank Lloyd Wright! Our tour was led by an experienced docent who was very knowledgeable, friendly and patient with all questions asked. There were lots of interesting facts covered about the design, construction and interactions between the Hanna Family and Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is well preserved and maintained. Grounds are meticulously kept. It is amazing that such a tour is even made available to the public, albeit in very limited capacity. I'd suggest booking early online. Highly recommended especially for the architecturally inclined, and a must for Frank Lloyd Wright fans. Truly a treasure!"
Kenneth Lui
"I am a grandchild of the Hannas. I have so many precious memories tied to this magnificent, ahead of its time home. I believe major damage from Loma Prieta quake is still being repaired. I toured it incognito before the quake when it was free, but you needed a reservation. My grandparents' ashes are buried on the property under one of their favorite fruit trees. Read up on the home before you go: absolutely fascinating story of the inception and building of the home in Jean and Paul Hannas book "The Clients' Report." Enjoy the tour and imagine a young, ambitious Stanford Professor of Education and his partner wife raising their family there In the 30s and 40s."
Liz Clark
"I knew one of the University Provosts who lived in the house and visited the house too many times to remember when I was a student. Back then it was a home being lived in and being enjoyed (I even swam in the pool). It’s so sad to see it’s current state."
Doug Cargill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hanna House is located on the Stanford University campus. Public tours are typically offered on Saturdays. It's best to check the official website for the most current access information and directions. Parking availability can vary, so consider ride-sharing or public transport if possible.
Stanford University has a robust public transportation system. Check local bus routes that serve the campus. The specific location of Hanna House might require a short walk from the nearest stop.
Parking on the Stanford campus can be challenging and often requires payment. Research visitor parking options on the Stanford University website before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be booked online in advance due to limited tour capacity. Visit the official Hanna House tour website to reserve your spot. +1
Hanna House tours are typically offered on Saturdays. It's essential to check the official schedule as dates and times can change.
Tour pricing can vary. Check the official booking website for the most up-to-date ticket prices.
No, access to Hanna House is generally only permitted through scheduled guided tours. Spontaneous visits are not usually possible.
Tours typically last about an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the house and its history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can be strict inside the house. Always confirm the current rules with your docent before taking pictures.
Yes, the unique architecture and the surrounding grounds offer many beautiful photo opportunities. The hexagonal patterns are particularly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, enhancing the architectural details. Consider the time of day for your scheduled tour.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
Hanna House was designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a prime example of his Usonian style.
Its most distinctive feature is the pervasive use of a hexagonal motif, influencing the floor plan, windows, and even furniture. It's known as the 'Honeycomb House'.
The house was built between 1936 and 1940 for Stanford professor Paul Hanna and his wife Jean.
It was a family home for the Hannas and later served various roles within Stanford University. It has undergone significant restoration after earthquake damage.
Hanna House is considered a landmark of modern architecture and a key example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian principles, designed for middle-income families.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider discussing the unique hexagonal shapes and the story of the Hanna family before your visit to engage younger minds. The gardens offer a bit of space to explore, but supervision is key. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to the world of architecture in a tangible way.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the hexagonal motif that permeates the design, from the floor plan to the windows and built-in furniture. The integration of the house with its landscape is another key element to appreciate. Reading up on the Hanna family and their interactions with Wright beforehand will significantly enhance your appreciation of the home.
🎓 Students and Academics
For architecture, history, or design students, a visit offers a unique case study in organic architecture and the Usonian ideal. The house's resilience through earthquakes and subsequent restoration also provides lessons in preservation and structural engineering.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Vision
The hexagonal motif is central to Hanna House's Usonian design. Wright believed the hexagon was a natural and efficient shape, and he applied it extensively throughout the house. This is evident in the overall layout, the shape of the rooms, the windows, and even custom-designed furniture. This consistent application of a single geometric form creates a sense of harmony and unity within the structure.
Beyond aesthetics, Usonian homes emphasized practicality and efficiency. They often featured cantilevered roofs for passive solar heating and cooling, and were built with a limited palette of materials to reduce costs. Hanna House, despite its innovative design, was a functional family home, reflecting Wright's goal of creating beautiful yet livable spaces for everyday Americans.
The Hanna Family and Their Home
The relationship between the Hannas and Frank Lloyd Wright was collaborative, though not without its challenges. The Hannas provided Wright with detailed insights into their lifestyle and needs, which he translated into the unique design of the house. Their book, "The Clients' Report," offers a fascinating firsthand account of the design and construction process.
Living in Hanna House during the mid-20th century, the Hanna family experienced firsthand the innovative design and lifestyle it offered. The house was not just a residence but a testament to their progressive values and a hub for intellectual and social gatherings. Even after the family moved out, the house continued to be a significant part of the Stanford community.
Restoration and Preservation
Restoring a Frank Lloyd Wright house presents unique challenges due to his complex designs and often experimental construction methods. The preservation team had to meticulously recreate or repair elements while adhering to Wright's original vision and using appropriate materials. This process ensures that the house remains a faithful representation of his architectural genius.
Today, the ongoing preservation of Hanna House is a testament to its importance as a cultural and architectural treasure. The limited public tours play a vital role in educating visitors and generating support for its continued maintenance.
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