Meet us where divine meets design
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the greatest public building designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Unity Temple proved a defining moment in Wright’s career, designed the temple for Unitarian Universalist Congregation, now called Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Wright was a practicing member of the congregation and drew the plans for the temple in his studio, which you can also visit, just a few blocks away.
Due to Wright's use of reinforced concrete throughout, the temple is regarded as one of the first modern buildings in the world, as well as an important advancement in early 20th-century architecture.
As you wander through Unity Temple's community room and three-story sanctuary, you will notice the way Wright used skylights to bring natural light into the temple. Unity Temple's geometrically shaped exposed concrete embodies the organic design principles that defined Wright's work, making him world famous.
The building sits on both the UNESCO world heritage list and the registry of national historic landmarks. The painstaking restoration of the church was led by the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation alongside the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
You are welcome Monday through Saturday for a self-guided audio tour of Unity Temple, which also includes a guided tour of Wright’s nearby home and studio. For an enhanced tour of Unity Temple, you’ll want to come on a Saturday. This is when a docent will show you spaces that are typically closed to the public, including inside the adjoining Unity House. You’ll get an in-depth understanding of the church restoration efforts.
Your guides at the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust are passionate about educating and inspiring the public about Wright’s designs. The Trust also offers tours at Wright’s Home and Studio, the Robie House in Hyde Park, and the Rookery Light Court in downtown Chicago. Group tours and tours of multiple Wright locations can be customized.
Unity Temple is located at 875 Lake Street in Oak Park. It is a short walk from the CTA Green Line and a 20-minute drive from downtown Chicago. The Unity Temple is accessible with a ramp on the east side of the building.
