Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Zimmerman House

Zimmerman House photo by John Hession

One of the most remarkable exhibits of Manchester’s Currier Museum of Art is not a painting or installation, but an entire home, the former residence of Dr. Isadore and Lucille Zimmerman. The couple commissioned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design the home in his Usonian Prairie School style, and Wright’s specifications included the interior and furnishings as well as the mailbox and specific seasonal plantings in the landscape. The Zimmermans carefully maintained Wright’s vision and, in 1988, donated the house and grounds to the Currier, which maintains it all to this day. Public tours are offered by the Currier for a $25 fee (less for seniors and members) beginning in mid-April, but a special opportunity takes place this month.

The Palace Theatre’s 15th annual Kitchen Tour takes place on Sunday, June 2, and offers a day to explore some of the finest kitchen designs in Bedford, Manchester and Amherst. This year the Palace has partnered with the Currier Museum of Art to allow access to the amazing Zimmerman House, the only residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that’s open to the public in New England. This beautiful piece of architectural history will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for tourgoers to walk through and enjoy as part of the overall tour of kitchens.

Although it was designed in 1950, the Zimmerman home has a number of features that must have suggested the Space Age when the home was new — like heated floors and a state-of-the-art (for the time) kitchen. These make it an excellent counterpoint to the contemporary luxe designs that guests will appreciate in the other homes on the tour.

The day begins with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. at Granite State Cabinetry in Bedford, where brochures will be handed out along with maps to each home on the tour. Register by noon. Homes will be open until 4 p.m. Tourgoers may visit the homes in any order.

This lovely kitchen was a collaboration of designer Emily Shakra and Capital Kitchen & Bath. Seen on a previous tour, it illustrates the beauty and elegance that good design brings to practical spaces.

Expect music, food and surprises along the way. Baron’s Major Brands in Manchester will host an open-seated luncheon catered by O Steaks & Seafood. Many homes will also have treats on site provided by local businesses. New for this year will be a fabulous after-party at Frank Webb Home on Union Street in Manchester from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a live band, a signature cocktail, and light appetizers. Raffles take place every 15 minutes to honor the tour’s 15th year. All proceeds go to benefit programs at the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester, which includes their professional shows and their many youth programs. The tour is recommended for ages 12 and above.