Frank Lloyd Wright at Avery
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time" and throughout its distinguished history, Avery Library has comprehensively collected materials by and about Frank Lloyd Wright. From his first published work, to his drawings and papers, to comprehensive coverage of the critical literature devoted to Wright and his legacy, Avery’s library and archival collections offer an unparalleled resource for investigating Wright and his prolific body of works. In 2012, Avery’s existing holdings of Wright related archives was monumentally expanded by the co-acquisition with The Museum of Modern Art of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives. Collocated here are guides to Avery’s Wright holdings, together with guides to our research support services.
Our work on the Wright collections is ongoing. Parts of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives are currently open for research while others are in active states of processing. Similarly, items from the collections are being imaged to support research, publication and exhibition projects. We are in the early stages of planning large-scale digitization of our holdings, and hope to present digitized content online in the coming years. Email Avery to inquire about how you can help support Avery’s Wright projects.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time" and throughout its distinguished history, Avery Library has comprehensively collected published works by and about Wright as well as archival materials on Wright, his influencers and protégés. Learn more about Wright at Avery.
Given the size and scope of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archive, the archive has been divided into distinct collections by format type. Browse overviews and see the links to finding aids for each collection.
Avery Drawings & Archives provides additional information about the Frank Lloyd Wright Collections at Avery.
You must create a Special Collections Research Account to request to see materials in the Avery Drawings & Archives Reading Room. You will need to provide a current address, email, telephone number, and other contact information. Upon your first visit, you will need to validate your account in-person with a government issued photo identification or a Columbia ID. Learn more about scheduling a consultation.
Exhibition Loans & Digital Imaging
Avery's collections are often requested for exhibitions. For general information on borrowing collection materials from Columbia University Libraries, please review Guidelines for Borrowing Materials for Exhibition. For Avery-specific details and information, visit the Exhibition Loans & Digital Imaging page and send additional questions to avery-drawings@columbia.edu.
Avery's Digital Imaging Services creates high-resolution image files from our collections for purposes of supporting teaching, research, and scholarship based on feasibility of the request and safety of materials.
To start a digital imaging order, researchers must identify the item. We require a description of the item, its physical location within our collections (box/folder/drawing number), and a reference image.
Please note that photography may not be available or possible due to the physical condition of objects. Photographic and/or reproduction fees may be charged for an image request.
Avery Library holds the world’s leading collection of materials by and about Frank Lloyd Wright. From his first published work, to his drawings and papers, to comprehensive coverage of the critical literature devoted to Wright and his legacy, Avery’s library and archival collections offer an unparalleled resource for investigating Wright and his prolific body of works. Browse the Frank Lloyd Wright Research Guide: Wright at Avery Library.
Image credit for all Wright photos and drawings on this website: The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives (The Museum of Modern Art | Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, New York).