The Teaching by Design team has created three interactive timelines that bring historical context to the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright.  With a greater perspective on the events surrounding Wright’s career, we can begin to understand the influences that impacted his philosophy and work. Below you’ll find a general timeline of Wright’s life and career, a timeline of his work in context with major events from American history, and a timeline that puts Wright’s work in context with other art historical movements. Our hope is that these timelines act as a resource for both educators and students as they explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s career and his lasting influence on American architecture and design.

To scroll through this interactive timeline, please click on the timeline window and drag left, right, up, or down. You can also use the (+) or (-) tool to zoom in or out, the Full Screen () tool for a larger viewing experience, and the Search () tool to look up a specific event. Click on the individual tabs to learn more about any event or movement!

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Life and Works

Frank Lloyd Wright and Major Historical Events

Frank Lloyd Wright and the History of Art

Prairie School Interactive Map

This map is designed as an educational tool to help you explore the journeys of various Prairie School architects after they left Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park Studio. Feel free to navigate the map at your own pace and dive into the rich history of Prairie School architecture.

The map is color-coded by architect, making it easy to trace each one’s path and projects. You can use the dropdown menu to find a list of the architects’ works throughout the 20th century- though it’s not exhaustive, it covers many significant projects.

Each location on the map is marked with icons that represent different types of buildings, such as homes, churches, schools, and public buildings. When you click on an icon, you’ll be taken to a detailed description of the location. You’ll also find historical and current photos, as well as links to articles and other resources when available.

To enhance your experience, it is recommended that you explore the map in Google Earth. There, you can use Street View to see what these locations look like today and appreciate how the architects’ designs interact with their surroundings- an important aspect of their work.