#USA #Lakeland #Florida Southern #Frank Lloyd Wright #Ashley Gibson Barnett

Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibition at Florida Southern College

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art is excited to announce the grand opening of its specially curated exhibition, Frank Lloyd Wright: The College of Tomorrow. This significant event marks a collaboration between the museum and MCWB Architects from Albany, NY, presenting a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the visionary architect's ambitious plans for Florida Southern College.

Exhibition Overview

Scheduled from June 7 to November 16, 2025, this exhibition is free to the public and will occupy three main galleries within the museum—the Dorothy Jenkins Gallery, the Harper Family Gallery, and the Perkins Gallery. This large-scale show offers a comprehensive look at Frank Lloyd Wright's dedicated 20-year endeavor to design a revolutionary campus in Lakeland, Florida. Attendees can explore original renderings, architectural plans, and personal correspondence related to Wright's work, enriched by materials on loan from esteemed institutions like the Art Bridges Foundation and Columbia University's Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library.

Perhaps the centerpiece of the exhibition is a meticulously crafted 3D-printed scale model designed by MCWB Architects, showcasing Wright's full architectural vision, including both built and yet-to-be-constructed structures. This aspect not only gives visitors an in-depth view of Wright's methodology but also transports them into the heart of his creative process.

Dr. H. Alexander Rich, the executive director and chief curator at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum, emphasized that this exhibition goes beyond mere visuals; it embodies years of collaboration and innovation aimed at reconciling Wright's dreams with reality. “The scale and detail of this show reflect the same spirit of innovation and partnership that defined Wright's original work at Florida Southern,” Rich stated.

A Retrospective of Innovation

Formerly unseen designs and concepts are revealed for the first time, challenging the public's perception of Florida Southern College's architectural landscape. Jeff Baker, an architect and partner at MCWB, noted that “As wonderful as Wright's achievements are here, it is nevertheless an unfinished symphony.” The exhibition gives visitors a glimpse into what might have been if Wright's full vision had been realized alongside the college's former president, Ludd Spivey.

While primarily focused on architecture, the exhibition serves a broader mission to highlight art in all forms. “Architecture is undoubtedly an art form, and Wright was a polymath artist-architect of profound genius,” Rich remarked. The exhibition also chronicles the evolution of Wright's innovative “textile block” construction system, detailing how he created unique architectural forms that seamlessly integrate with their environments.

An Invitation to Explore

Visitors are encouraged to explore this groundbreaking exhibition not only within the museum but also in conjunction with the Florida Southern College campus, home to the largest collection of Wright's buildings in a single location worldwide. Daily guided tours are available through the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, allowing for a complete appreciation of Wright's impact on the campus and architectural heritage.

Organized with support from entities including Joel Kelly Adams and Family, Art Bridges Foundation, and others, Frank Lloyd Wright: The College of Tomorrow promises to be a transformative experience that bridges education, architecture, and art, inviting all to witness the legacy of a true visionary.

For more details on this unique opportunity to engage with Frank Lloyd Wright’s enduring legacy, visit the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum’s official website and prepare for an inspiring journey through one of architecture's most significant narratives.