10 Things To Know Before Touring The World’s Largest Frank Lloyd Wright Collection
A busy college campus in Lakeland, Florida, hides an amazing architectural secret. Florida Southern College has classrooms, chapels, and outdoor areas designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as part of his “Child of the Sun” project. The American Institute of Architects calls Wright the “greatest American architect of all time,” so this active campus is worth a visit. However, students still walk through these structures every day for their classes. So, don’t expect a quiet museum.
Class Is Still In Session
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Florida Southern College is a lively school of roughly 3,000 students, including about 2,755 undergraduates who walk through Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous buildings every day on their way to class. Since students use them constantly, these historic spaces remain a functional part of campus life.
Spivey’s Dream Comes to Life
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In 1938, Dr. Ludd Spivey contacted the famous architect. Spivey wanted to put his small college on the map with a bold, modern campus. Wright designed a master plan for 18 buildings, naming it “Child of the Sun,” and workers built 13 of them. Today, this location holds the world’s largest collection of Wright designs.
Guided Tours Help A Lot
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Walking around on your own is nice, but an official tour offers the opportunity to learn the history of the buildings. The standard 90-minute tour covers the history and design of all 13 Wright-designed structures. For a closer look, choose the extended tour that explores more indoor spaces. It is a good idea to book tickets online before traveling to Lakeland.
Workers Who Built the Chapel
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During World War II, a worker shortage forced students at Florida Southern College to build the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel themselves. Many of these student builders were women who worked in exchange for free tuition and housing. They created a beautiful building with a 65-foot bell tower, colorful stained glass, and custom concrete blocks made from local soil. Decades later, the historic chapel had to be restored after being badly damaged by a severe hurricane.
The Planetarium Is A One-Off
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The Miller Planetarium is inside the Polk County Science Building, and it’s the only planetarium Frank Lloyd Wright ever designed. This domed theater projects a realistic simulation of the stars for learning. In 2024, an architect named Jeff Baker, who also doubles as a Wright preservation expert, updated the historic building so people can enjoy it for years to come.
The Walkways Beat The Heat
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The covered walkway is perfect for a hot Florida afternoon. The famous architect designed this 1.5-mile-long path to connect campus buildings while keeping people safe from the hot sun and heavy rain. The structure looks great, but the best part is how useful it is. Lakeland weather changes quickly, and this shelter keeps you comfortable during a routine walk across campus.
The Faculty House Came Late
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This Usonian-style faculty house sat as a drawing for decades before anyone built it. Wright drew the plans in 1939, but workers did not finish the building until 2013, many years after his death. Today, the house serves as the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center. Visitors can walk inside to browse the gift shop and grab maps before exploring the rest of the campus.
The Renovated Water Dome
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The Water Dome was built in 1948 and later updated to work exactly how Wright intended. Today, 75 powerful jets shoot water 45 feet into the air. The running fountain adds an exciting, dramatic feel to regular campus life. It is still a favorite spot for everyone, since you do not need to know about architecture to enjoy the beautiful view.
The Location Is Convenient
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Lakeland is located right between two major travel hubs, so adding a campus visit to your trip is very easy. Tampa is only about 35 miles west, and Orlando is about 55 miles to the northeast. Free parking right across from the visitor center makes arriving completely stress-free. Anyone driving through Central Florida will find this an easy and convenient stop.
The Small Details Matter
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The best way to enjoy this campus is to take your time. Wright’s patterned concrete blocks, low roofs, stained glass, and covered walkways look best when you stop rushing through. Even the chapel’s unusual roof decoration, which people jokingly call “God’s Bicycle Rack,” adds a fun touch to the property.