News Release: 4/2/2020

For immediate release: April 1, 2020

Heidi Ruehle

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation

708-989-2317 M

heidi@utrf.org

Eric Rogers

Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy

773-350-8114

erogers@savewright.org

Wright Sites to Swap Virtual Visits

Weekly virtual tours will spotlight beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings closed due to COVID-19

Chicago, IL: Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, in partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, announces Wright Virtual Visits, a social media initiative highlighting Frank Lloyd Wright-designed public sites that are closed due to COVID-19. Each Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific time, beginning Thursday April 2, each participating site will share a short video tour of another site via social media. The list of participating sites, with links to their social media profiles, is available at SaveWright.org/WrightVirtualVisits.

According to the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation executive director, Heidi Ruehle, “The participating organizations have been collaborating even before the pandemic to discover methods to cross-market our sites and provide support as many are functioning with limited staff and resources. This initiative is another way for us to broaden awareness of our missions and provide a virtual source of artistic entertainment while visitors are unable to explore these magnificent spaces in person.”

As social distancing and stay-at-home orders have swept the country, many of these sites have had to close their doors. These measures are crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the staff, volunteers, and visitors who usually fill these extraordinary spaces with life. 

As Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Executive Director Barbara Gordon said, “it is precisely at this time, when so many are shut inside, that we need to experience beauty and inspiration. Wright’s works bring people together in harmony with the natural world, reminding us that we are all connected, even when we’re apart.”

All public sites have been significantly affected by this pandemic. Many are facing major budget shortfalls and have had to furlough staff. The Conservancy hopes that these tours will draw attention to these important landmarks and prompt individuals to give generously to ensure that all are able to resume operations after this crisis has passed.

About Unity Temple Restoration Foundation: Unity Temple Restoration Foundation (UTRF) is a secular, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to restore, preserve and operate Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, a National Historic Landmark. UTRF also provides artistic, cultural and educational public programming, and partners with local organizations to present a diverse array of programs. Unity Temple was recently designated as one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the United States to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More information is available at UTRF.org.

About the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy: We facilitate the preservation and stewardship of the remaining built works designed by Frank Lloyd Wright through advocacy, education and technical services. Our vision is that the remaining built works designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are valued and preserved as a vital part of our artistic, cultural and architectural heritage. More information is available at SaveWright.org.

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