November 2023 Exhibition Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 11am – 4pm
December 2023 Exhibition Hours: Thursday through Monday, 11am -4pm
January 2024 Exhibition Hours: January 1 – 8 only, 11am – 4pm
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House will present its inaugural exhibition: “Thought-Built: The Imperial Hotel at 100.” Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel opening, this exhibition is the only exhibit outside of Japan focused on the centennial and will feature rare artifacts rescued from demolition.
The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first international commission and remains his best-known building in Japan. The building was officially opened in 1923 before being demolished in 1968.
“Thought-Built: The Imperial Hotel at 100” offers a rare look at this lost work through original architectural elements rescued from demolition, including tiles, bricks, Ōya stone blocks, and an art glass window, as well as a deeper understanding of Wright’s relationship with the Martins during this formative period in his career.
“We are thrilled to be able to present the only U.S.-based Imperial Hotel exhibition right here in Buffalo,” stated Jessie Fisher, Executive Director of the Martin House. “In addition to giving visitors an up-close experience with the elements that formerly made up the Hotel, the materials on display show the depth of the relationship between the Martins and Wright.”
Curator of the Martin House Susana Tejada said, “This exhibition is a unique opportunity to view rarely seen architectural fragments saved from the now-demolished Imperial Hotel. Seeing these objects within the walls of Barton House provides layers of understanding into Wright’s work and allows visitors to interact with our historic site in dynamic new ways.”
The exhibition will be held in the historic Barton House (118 Summit Avenue) on the Martin House estate. Starting on Friday, November 17, 2023, the exhibition will be open Wednesday through Monday from 11am – 4pm. Hours may change seasonally and visitors are encouraged to visit martinhouse.org for the latest information.
Exhibition tickets are free for Martin House members and $15 per person for non-members. Admission to the exhibition is also included with any Martin House tour ticket purchase. Exhibition tickets include access to the exhibit anytime during open hours as well as a special discount on Martin House tour tickets.
“Thought-Built: The Imperial Hotel at 100” is presented in collaboration with the University Archives at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The exhibit is presented by M&T Bank and the Wilmington Trust.
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