The house was constructed by modifying an existing 1860s Italianate villa into a sprawling Prairie-style complex.
Susan Lawrence Dana served as the patron for the project, allowing Wright total creative control over the furniture and interior design.
The house features a two-story gallery with a vaulted ceiling that evokes the aesthetic of a Japanese temple.
Despite its modern appearance for the time, the home included cutting-edge early 20th-century technology, such as an integrated intercom system.
The interior layout utilizes 'pinwheel' planning, which Wright famously used to create fluid, non-compartmentalized living spaces.
Many of the art glass windows utilize a 'sumac' pattern, a recurring botanical motif found throughout the house.
The property contains a 'hidden' entrance designed to provide privacy for the owner, a deviation from the grand front doors common in the era.
The house was purchased by the State of Illinois in 1981 to prevent the dispersal of its collection at auction.
The Dana-Thomas House is the best-preserved and most complete example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s 'Prairie Style' architecture from his early career. Built between 1902 and 1904 for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana, the residence features 35 rooms spread across 12,000 square feet. The design incorporates over 450 original art glass windows, light fixtures, and skylights, all designed by Wright. It reflects his concept of 'organic architecture,' integrating the building with its natural environment and local landscape. The home retains approximately 100 pieces of original Wright-designed oak furniture, which is the largest collection of such items in any single site. The structure is characterized by its low-pitched roofs, wide overhanging eaves, and a series of horizontal lines that emphasize its connection to the earth. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. Following Susan Lawrence Dana's residency, the house served as the headquarters for the Illinois Department of Conservation before transitioning into a museum. It remains one of the most significant sites for architectural historians studying the transition from Victorian to Modern design.
The exterior facade from the sidewalk on Lawrence Avenue, which captures the distinctive horizontal lines and the complex geometric roof profile.
Guided tours are required to view the interior; check for availability online before arrival.
Reserve your spot in advance, as group sizes are strictly limited to maintain the integrity of the historic interiors.
Focus your attention on the transition of the light fixtures, which change style as you move from the public to the private areas of the home.
Do not attempt to walk onto the grounds or take photos of the interior without a guide; the site is actively monitored for security.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; occasionally closed for interior maintenance or special holiday observances.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the house to protect the historic materials; visitors must stay with the guide at all times.
