After acquiring a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house, the Crystal Bridges Museum had to disassemble the New Jersey house, haul it 1,200 miles to its new Bentonville, Ark., location, and put the structure back together.
The museum has completed the difficult and meticulous task and is now set to show off its project. The Bachman Wilson House will open to the public on November 11.
A 2,000-sf, one-story home with no basement or attic, “the materials consist of concrete block, a Colorundum concrete mat, Philippine mahogany, ten feet high plate glass window wall, as well as perforated clerestory panels with the Samara design,” according to the house’s website.
During the Great Depression, Wright developed the idea of Usonian archicture. Taking the name from an altered abbreviation of “United States of North America,” the style was characterized by simple, low-cost houses meant for the middle class. Around 120 Usonian homes were built, including one for Gloria Bachman and Abraham Wilson in 1954 in New Jersey.
Despite a restoration 27 years ago, the house suffered from flooding from the nearby Millstone River. Crystal Bridges Museum purchased the home in 2013.
Related Stories
Art Galleries | Apr 21, 2017
The Odunpazari Modern Art Museum pays homage to Ottoman Empire era architecture
The wooden façade is a link to the history of the area as a wood market.
Art Galleries | Apr 14, 2017
Activating exteriors as gallery space
Owners would like to get more value from their exterior spaces. One architecture firm details how it made that happen for the new Whitney Museum.
Museums | Jan 19, 2017
Turning museums inside out: White paper addresses the value of exterior gallery space
Many contemporary museum designs are beginning to utilize the exterior wall space to display art that can help attract new audiences.
Museums | Dec 15, 2016
The design of the Shanghai Planetarium draws inspiration from astronomical principles
Housed within the 400,000-sf building will be the world’s largest planetarium theater.
Museums | Dec 15, 2016
The Grand Louvre - Phase I honored with AIA Twenty-five Year Award
The award recognizes an architectural design that has stood the test of time for 25 years.
Sponsored | Museums | Dec 1, 2016
Monumental museum features Fluropon to highlight heritage and high-esteem
The building is an important landmark for the nation, and is built on the last available spot on the National Mall in Washington D.C.
Museums | Nov 18, 2016
Plans for the expansion and renovation of the Asian Art Museum in Seattle unveiled
LMN Architects is the architect and interior designer for the Bebb and Gould-designed museum.
Museums | Nov 17, 2016
The Guggenheim Helsinki has one final chance to become a reality
The museum’s fate will be decided with a final vote on a new proposal.
Museums | Nov 8, 2016
Museum of the Bible to use technology to bring the Bible to life
The museum will be two blocks from the National Mall and three blocks from the Capitol.
Museums | Oct 11, 2016
Santiago Calatrava-designed Museum of Tomorrow awarded 'Best New Museum of the Year – Central/South America' by Leading Culture Destinations
The museum opened in 2015 in Rio de Janeiro’s Porto Maravilha