Discover the Architectural Gems of Minneapolis

The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is hosting an exciting excursion to Minneapolis July 23 -26, 2009 to discover the architectural gems of Gehry, Sullivan and Wright. Guests of the Preservation Trust's Wright Way Travel program will experience the art and architecture of greater Minneapolis with a unique cutorial tour of the Purcell-Cutts House, a Prairie School jewel from 1915 as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Willey House. Built in 1933 during the depression years, the Willey served as the precursor to Wright's Usonian homes. The special tour will be led by the current owners who are restoring the home to the original design. Travelers will visit The National Farmers' Bank (currently Wells Fargo Bank), designed by Louis Sullivan and built in 1907-08, the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, a massive Richardsonian Romanesque mansion, and Frank Gehry's Weisman Art Museum focusing on the building's distinctive architectural features as well as Gehry's own design process.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is hosting an exciting four-day excursion, July 23-26, 2009, to the Minneapolis area, home to cutting-edge art and architecture from masters of their craft. Experience a Prairie School architectural gem, the Purcell-Cutts house, tour Louis Sullivan's influential National Farmers' Bank, a National Historic Landmark, and explore the stunning Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum designed by a modern master, Frank Gehry.

Among Minneapolis' many architectural gems, visitors will enjoy a cutorial tour of the Purcell-Cutts House, a Prairie School jewel from 1915 as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Willey House. Built in 1933 during the depression years, the Willey served as the precursor to Wright's Usonian homes. The special tour will be led by the current owners who are restoring the home to the original design. The excursion includes trips to Owatonna to tour The National Farmers' Bank (currently Wells Fargo Bank), designed by Louis Sullivan and built in 1907-08. While in Owatonna, travelers will see three additional noteworthy buildings: the Federated Insurance Companies building (1923, Jacobson and Jacobson); the Buxton Bungalow (1912, Purcell, Feick, and Elmslie); and the Adair House (1913, Purcell, Feick, and Elmslie).

Wright Way Travel guests will explore the dazzling new Guthrie Theater building. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and built in 2006, the Guthrie sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers commanding views of its surroundings. Travelers will visit the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, a massive Richardsonian Romanesque mansion. Completed in 1891, the 36,000 square foot home features original chandeliers, stained glass, and hand-carved woodwork as well as fascinating mechanical systems that provided heat, light, water, ventilation, and security. A final highlight of the excursion is an architectural tour of Frank Gehry’s Weisman Art Museum focusing on the building’s distinctive architectural features as well as Gehry’s own design process.

Join this summer sojourn to Minneapolis from July 23-26, 2009. Prices start at $1,595 and include three nights, double occupancy at the Historic Depot Minneapolis: A Renaissance Hotel, three lunches and two dinners, all guides and entrance fees, transfers by luxury motor coach. For additional information visit WrightWayTravel.org and call 708.848.1976 ext.257 for reservations.

Special Wright Way Travel Discount
All first time Wright Way travelers enjoy $100 off any Wright Way trip booked through December 31, 2009, and all Wright Way travelers who refer a friend enjoy $100 off any Wright Way trip booked through December 31, 2009. The discounts can not be combined with any other offers, and the offer does not apply to prior purchases. Wright Way traveler and referred friend must book Wright Way travel on or before December 31, 2009.

Wright Way tours, presented by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the U.S. and around the world. Travelers enjoy exclusive curator presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, special private showings and more. All Wright Way tours include first-rate accommodations, the best native cuisine and expert Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust guides. Current itineraries and future Wright Way tour information is available at GoWright.org.