Steelcase restored the house to look exactly as it did the day the May family moved in, based on original photographs.
The furniture, including the iconic dining room chairs, was reconstructed using Wright’s original drawings.
The home features a signature Wright 'cross' floor plan designed to maximize natural light and privacy.
Many of the decorative elements, such as the art glass, were hidden or removed by previous owners and recovered during the restoration.
The house is widely considered one of the most complete and authentic Frank Lloyd Wright restorations in the United States.
The Meyer May House is a meticulously restored Prairie School residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1909. Located in the Heritage Hill neighborhood of Grand Rapids, it serves as a primary example of Wright’s early 20th-century residential architecture. The Steelcase corporation purchased and restored the home to its original 1909 appearance, completing the project in 1987. Visitors can tour the interior, which features custom-designed furniture, original art glass windows, and built-in light fixtures. The house showcases the integration of interior and exterior spaces, a hallmark of Wright’s design philosophy. Restoration efforts included recreating original carpets and textiles that had been lost over decades of private ownership. The structure remains open to the public as a cultural resource preserved by its corporate owner.
The living room, capturing the alignment of the custom-designed furniture with the expansive art glass windows.
Book tour reservations online well in advance, as group sizes are limited and sessions fill up quickly.
Explore the surrounding Heritage Hill Historic District on foot after your tour to view other notable architectural styles.
Pay close attention to the art glass patterns, which change in appearance based on the time of day and sunlight.
Do not attempt to walk in without a reservation, as the house operates strictly on a guided-tour basis.
Typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Visitors are prohibited from touching the furniture, textiles, or walls; photography is typically permitted for personal use only.
