Modernist glass and steel residence designed as a minimalist retreat that exemplifies harmony between architecture and nature.
General Information
January–March: Friday and Saturday, 10:30am to 2:30pm
Closed Easter, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Guided House Tour: $25
Discounts available for students, seniors, and National Trust members
How to Get There
From Chicago, IL (58 mi): Take I-55 S to US-30 W, then IL-47 S to River Rd in Plano; follow signs to the Visitor Center for check-in and parking.
Overview
The Edith Farnsworth House, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe between 1946 and 1951, is a landmark of modernist architecture nestled along the Fox River in Plano, Illinois. Originally conceived as a weekend retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the house is celebrated for its minimalist design—an elegant glass and steel structure that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior space. Elevated on stilts to protect against flooding, the house rests within a serene 62-acre landscape, offering visitors a contemplative experience that fuses art, architecture, and nature.
Now operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Edith Farnsworth House hosts guided tours, exhibitions, and seasonal events that explore its architectural significance and the complex relationship between its architect and patron. The house has inspired generations of designers and remains a pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts worldwide. With its transparent walls and open plan, the house invites reflection on simplicity, solitude, and the human connection to the natural world.
< class="third-party-img">This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Edith Farnsworth House, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
