Skylights and leaded glass windows combine with the leafy décor to create the melodious and airy setting of Michigan’s Prairie Masterpiece, restored to past glory.
With its prairie house design and harmonious use of greenery, the Meyer May House has the trademark touches of its famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It was completed in 1909 for clothing magnate Meyer May, before being restored and opened for tours in the late 20th century. Follow a guide through the halls and rooms of the house for a glimpse of the original décor and furnishings.
Notice the parapets, staircases and pillars that make up this two-story house. Consider the relationship between form and function as you explore the interior. Admire the colorful panels in the windows, which take up large portions of the walls to enable the house to glow with natural light. On one of the walls is a pastel mural of hollyhock flowers, adding to the bright and natural setting.
Chat with the guide about the changes to the house over the years. It strayed from the architect’s vision in the 1960s, when it was converted into multiple apartments. However, the Steelcase Company bought the property and returned it to its initial state. Watch the short video The Renewing of a Vision for a better idea of how the company completed the two-year restoration with painstaking accuracy.
Appreciate the serenity in the manicured gardens, with their well-kept bright green lawn and carved hedges. Plants climb up the walls of the building, creating a natural aesthetic common in Wright’s architecture.
The Meyer May House is a little southeast of the downtown district of Grand Rapids. Take a bus here from the city center to arrive in about 10 minutes. You can also drive and leave your car along the adjacent streets. Join one of the free tours, which are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons.
See some other nearby sights, such as the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Pleasant Park.
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