first unitarian meeting house of madison

My mom and I didn't actually go inside because you're supposed to call ahead and make sure there aren't any church happenings, which we didn't. We walked around the outside though and marveled at Frank Lloyd Wright's work.

When my sister and I heard about this Frank Lloyd Wright designed church in Madison, on a FLW pilgrimage, we knew we needed to go. This was close to the college campus and we just stopped by around 4:30 pm to look around. You can arrange a group tour if you plan ahead because they need to be purchased 2 weeks in advance for $7 per person. If you go in without a tour, they ask for donation.The door was open so we walked in. This is an active, working church and there were people in the back part, in offices, working. No one said anything about us poking around and it was interesting to see the inside and outside of this church, which has been said to be the world's most innovative expressions of church architecture. There have been two additions added to it. The outside grounds were lovely, as well.

Check out original Bldg. and recent addition; Tours are well worth the time--just check out the details of same

We noticed this structure from a higher floor of the UW Hospital while a patient. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that the Unitarian Church, which is an ongoing concern, made available a docent twice a day. The road to recovery included a visit on our final day in Madison. We were very pleased with our knowledgable and friendly guide. We learned so much about FLW and his relationship to Madison in general. The history of the church reflects the history of the community. How wonderful that 60 years later this congregation loves and treasures this unique structure. We enjoyed the additions as well and felt they were very sympathetic to the original structure and the site.

I was in a group that visited this Frank Lloyd Wright designed meeting house and a very nice volunteer took us around. We had a chance to take photographs both inside and outside the building and also to see the new addition which compliments what FLW designed It is a lovely site and worth visiting.There is no "gift shop" but you can buy postcards and notecards at the reception desk.

A classic example of Wright's genius in design - soaring and open. Well worth the visit when in Madison.

I arrived about 30 min. before tour time and was greeted by a very accommodating woman who, I believe, is a secretary for the facility. She explained that the guide would be arriving shortly and we had a short chat, during which I mentioned that I am a docent at an out-of-state Frank Lloyd Wright tour site. She encouraged me to wander around, take photos and just enjoy the space while I waited. I was the only guest at that time.When my docent, Kit, arrived, he chatted for a few minutes and then off we went. We were joined by a few more guests shortly after that.Kit has a very extensive knowledge of the Unity Meeting House and of the Wright family connection. His tour was a seamless blend of architecture, history, and anecdotal information. His real strength, however, is his connection with the marvelous wonder that this building on this site inspires and his ability to share that wonder. This is the aspect of a docent that I find most important, and Kit did not disappoint! He also mentioned how the building "changes" in the winter and also in at night..thus insuring that I will return for another visit. I cannot begin to explain how breathtaking (and yet practical--form following function as in all of Wright's designs)..the Meeting House is. I WILL say that it is well worth the time (and travel if you must) to take a tour. Wright's vision soars!

We had a great tour. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about Frank Lloyd Wright and the building is fascinating. You get to see the entire building and become an expert on Frank Lloyd Wright.

Since the tour we undertook from Australia concentrated on the life and work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it's hardly surprising that we loved his Unitarian Meeting House. But the new section really impressed us, too. So much light and space. I think FLW would approve!

We visited the Unitarian Meeting House to see the FLW designed church. The First Unitarian complex has much more to offer. Our guide, Shirley, was very welcoming and has an incredible knowledge and understanding of the buildings from being a member of the congregation for over 60 years. She explained the kitchen, having prepared thousands of meals from its' counters. She explained each room from its inception to how its being used today. The original FLW meeting house is incredibly beautiful. The additions over the decades are just as stunning.

Not only is this building, which is located in the Village of Shorewood Hills, an architectural icon, but the recent addition is a model of sustainability and sensitivity. The addition blends into the original Frank Lloyd Wright building in the best way - it is unobtrusive from the entry area, and invisible when one is looking at the "ship's prow" from U-Bay drive. Yet the addition has a large auditorium, with fascinating acoustical treatments done with natural materials and a green roof, as well as offices and classrooms, all tucked away so as not to distract from the original building. It is a good example of what can be done to preserve a heritage and minimize environmental impact when there is a need to expand, the brains and will to do it properly, and admittedly some space in which to do it.

Wow. The history and background is stunning. I was surprised by how warm evreybody was on the tour. The Wright information was powerful. Highly reccomend.

If you are a Wright aficionado, this is a must-visit. The building was recently renovated and is in excellent condition. I am a member of this church, and while the building is not why, it is a fantastic thing to see in Madison. The new addition to the meeting house is LEED certified and one of the most green buildings in Wisconsin.

We have quite a few Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Racine so we wanted to see this one.It is typical FLW fashion-neat 70's style. Check it out just because it's different. Just drive by.

Only go if you want to see one of the FLW buildings in Madison. It's a classic representation, with a new, ugly addition.