"It's very special:" Rare opportunity to see some of Frank Lloyd Wright's work in Racine starting May 1st

RACINE (WITI) -- A new gallery devoted to Frank Lloyd Wright will open Friday, May 1st on the SC Johnson campus in Racine. The architects' ideas and drawings are on display in an exhibit called "At Home With Frank Lloyd Wright."

This gallery will showcase Wright's designs from 1893 until 1909 -- including the Wasmuth portfolio.

"It`s very special. There`s only a few of these portfolios left in existence any longer, particularly in the U.S., and so to have an opportunity to share those with people is extraordinary," Greg Anderegg with SC Johnson said.

The Wasmuth portfolio was published in Europe in 1910. Wright brought back 500 drawings to Wisconsin, but many of them were burned in the 1914 fire -- making this a rare chance to see some of his work.

"There are very few complete sets that are extant in the United States, so to be able to see it here in Racine is a pretty important thing and also a real rarity," curator Monica Obniski said.

Beyond the drawings, the exhibit's curator says visitors will get to see a glimpse into Wright's life.

"The relationship that Wright has with his clients was not only a professional one but also a personal one. It`s known that he`s good friends with a lot of his clients," Obniski said.

It took months to put this gallery together.

"It was actually really exciting because the work is beautiful and it inspires," Obniski said.

On Monday, April 27th, finishing touches were added to the space. Lighting was adjusted, and more work was added to the display just in time for visitors.

"We expect tens of thousands of people to come to Racine this summer," Anderegg said.

Tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright gallery are free and open to the public beginning Friday, May 1st. Visitors can also tour the great workroom and research tower, as well as the newly restored 1940s penthouse office of H.F. Johnson Jr.