For the Architecture Fan

• Best of Buffalo Architecture
• Lectures
• Architecture Tours
• Religious Sites
• Gardens
• Buffalo’s Architectural Landmarks Map

Come to Buffalo and explore the tree-filled parks and mansion-lined parkways designed by the father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. Experience the restorations of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House Complex and Graycliff Estate as well as the newly-constructed wonder of his Rowing Boathouse. Walk down streets populated by buildings designed by Louis Sullivan, H.H. Richardson, Stanford White, Richard Upjohn, Eliel and Eero Saarinen and Daniel Burnham. You can even stay in authentic Arts & Crafts accommodations inspired by American original Elbert Hubbard at the beautiful Roycroft Inn in nearby East Aurora.

Sullivan's Guaranty Building is a masterpiece of early skyscraper design. The Richardson Olmsted Complex , a Romanesque monument that towers over the city's West Side, is a National Historic Landmark. Wright's Darwin D. Martin Estate is considered by many scholars to be the finest expression of his acclaimed "Prairie Style."

Olmsted's work in Buffalo in just as noteworthy. The Buffalo Parks System was the first of its kind in the United States - a visionary attempt to create islands of tranquility amid a growing city's tumult. Connected by a series of bucolic parkways and broad avenues lined with elegant homes, Buffalo's parks system remains an extraordinary urban amenity.

Hubbard's Roycroft Campus is of international significance as well. It was a center of the American Arts & Crafts Movement and at one time employed as many as 500 craftsmen.Today, the Roycroft Inn has been restored to its former glory and the surrounding campus is undergoing a similar restoration.

Be sure to visit the stunning Lord & Burnham conservatory at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens in Frederick Law Olmsted's South Park. It's one of only two such "crystal palaces" left standing in an Olmsted Park. Also not to be missed are the massive grain elevators along the banks of the Buffalo River. You'll be amazed by the scale of these towering monoliths that influenced the course of modern architecture.

Come to Buffalo and see the city that The New York Times called

“home to some of the greatest American architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.” 

More information about Buffalo’s architecture can be found at

www.wrightnowinbuffalo.com.

The Best of Buffalo Architecture

ALBRIGHT KNOX ART GALLERY

Designed by architect E.B. Green with William Sydney Wicks between 1900-1905, this temple for the arts evokes the Erectheum on the Acropolis in Athens. A marble and glass wing was added to the original building in 1962, designed by Buffalonian Gordon Bunshaft.
HOURS
Mon: Closed | Tues: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Wed: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Thur: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Free 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.) | Sat: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Sun: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
ADDRESS
1285 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 882-8700

Buffalo Central Terminal

The Buffalo Central Terminal opened to the public on June 22, 1929. Built by the New York Central Railroad and designed by architects Alfred T. Fellheimer & Steward Wagner, the Art Deco style station was built to accommodate up to 3200 passengers per hour, or 200 trains per day. The complex consists of the main concourse, a 17 story office tower, a four story baggage building and two story mail building along Curtiss Street, and the now detached train concourse. The complex sits on a 17 acre site 2.5 miles east of downtown Buffalo. The Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) was founded in 1997 to oversee the stabilization and restoration of the Central Terminal. Local preservationist Scott Field acquired the 18-acre site, including concourse, tower, and four story baggage building along Curtiss Street, from Samuel Tuchman and B.C.T Inc. for $1 plus the assumption of back taxes owed to the City of Buffalo. Buffalo Central Terminal reopened to the public in 2003 with a series of tours and open houses. Since then the tours continue, as well as a number of other fun events all summer long such as Dyngus Day, wine and beer festivals, art shows, car shows, train shows, and the annual Oktoberfest. The Terminal has seen over 125,000 visitors since reopening.
ADDRESS
495 Paderewski Drive
Buffalo, NY 14212
(716) 954-2225
Website: http://buffalocentralterminal.org

BUFFALO CITY HALL

From the architects George J. Dietel and John J. Wade, Buffalo City Hall was built between 1929-1931. Buffalo City Hall is an Art Deco masterpiece with outstanding murals depicting the city's history and industry. Common Council Chamber with exquisite skylight and sculptures are a must see. Observation Tower gives a spectacular view of the waterfront and the Ellicott radial street design for Buffalo. Closed weekends and holidays.
ADDRESS
65 Niagara Square
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-4200

BUFFALO SAVINGS BANK

Built between 1900-1901, Buffalo Savings Bank was the vision of architect E. B. Green with William Sydney Wicks. A prime example of the neoclassicism inspired by the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893.
ADDRESS
545 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-2356

BUFFALO STATE HOSPITAL now BUFFALO PSYCHIATRIC CENTER

Designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson between 1870-1896, Buffalo State Hospital is of the Romanesque monument with soaring red Medina sandstone twin towers. Frederick Law Olmsted and his partner Calvert Vaux planned the hospital grounds.
ADDRESS
400 Forest Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14213
(716) 852-2356

DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE COMPLEX

Constructed between 1903 and 1905 as the home of Darwin and Isabelle Martin, the Martin House exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright's "Prairie House" ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Tours at the Martin House underscore how Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius is illustrated in timeless themes evident in his remarkable design: family, friendship, the meaning of home, and the American spirit as told through the story of Darwin D. Martin's patronage of America's greatest architect.
ADDRESS
125 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 856-3858
Website: http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org

ELLICOTT SQUARE BUILDING

From architect Daniel Burnham with Charles Atwood, construction began in 1895. Upon completion in 1896, the Ellicott Square Building was considered the largest office building in the world. Its glass-covered concourse is one of Buffalo's most ornamental public spaces.
ADDRESS
295 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-2356

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S ROWING BOATHOUSE

In 1910, at the age of 43, Frank Lloyd Wright traveled to Europe to present what would become his most beloved collection of structure illustrations: the Wasmuth Portfolio. One of these famous drawings was something Wright called "Boathouse for the University of Wisconsin Boat Club." Twenty years later, the architect included this same boathouse in an international exhibition of six of his greatest works. The boathouse idea was obviously a favorite of Wright's, featuring design elements seen in other local treasures like the Martin House and the Larkin Building - large vertical piers supporting horizontal planes. Sadly, it was never constructed. It was one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most significant projects that had never come to fruition - until now. Completed in 2007, the Rowing Boathouse is open to the public for tours.
ADDRESS
Foot of Porter Avenue next to West Side Rowing Club
1 Rotary Row
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 362-3140
Website: http://www.wrightsboathouse.org

GRAYCLIFF ESTATE

Designed in 1926-27 as the summer home of Isabelle R. and Darwin D Martin. Set high on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie, Graycliff foreshadows the brilliance that would reach its fullest expression at Fallingwater. Currently undergoing restoration, a variety of guided tours are available (see website). Given a five-star rating for tourist destinations by Frank Lloyd Wright Guidebook. Open year-round (Apr-Nov; more limited in winter months); free parking and gift shop; call for reservations; ask about special in-depth and package tours. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year's Day.
ADDRESS
6472 Old Lake Shore Road
Derby, NY 14047
(716) 947-9217
Admission:  $15-$40
Website: http://www.graycliff.bfn.org

GUARANTY BUILDING

From architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, the Guaranty Building was built between 1895-1896. Louis Sullivan's most mature skyscraper, its terra cotta facade and clean vertical lines are nothing short of breathtaking. Tours are available by appointment only. Call Lisa Kane at (716) 848-1335 for more information.
ADDRESS
28 Church Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 852-2356

KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL

Designed by architects Eliel & Eero Saarinen between 1938-1940, this home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is internationally-acclaimed for its acoustical excellence, graceful curving lines and detailed interior spaces.
ADDRESS
Symphony Circle
North Street at Richmond Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 885-5000

M&T BANK BUILDING

Built between 1964-1966 by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect who designed New York's World Trade Center.
ADDRESS
Main Street at North Division
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-2356

OLD COUNTY HALL

Designed in 1876 by architect Andrew J. Warner, Old County Hall is an important example of the High Victorian Gothic, the preeminent style of the Gilded Age.
ADDRESS
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 852-2356

OLD POST OFFICE (Erie Community College)

From architect James Knox Taylor, the Old Post Office was built between 1894-1901. The skylighted central court is one of Buffalo's most majestic interior spaces.
ADDRESS
121 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-2356

ROYCROFT INN

Elegantly restored Arts & Crafts accommodations featuring original Roycroft furnishings and art work. Built in 1895. Also serves as a fine dining restaurant and offers exquisite accomodations.
ADDRESS
40 South Grove Street
East Aurora, NY 14052
(716) 652-5552
Website: http://www.roycroftinn.com/

SHEA'S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Built in 1926 by architects C. W. & G. W. Rapp in the style of a European opera house, Shea's continues to entertain audiences with touring shows, concerts, opera, dance, organ concerts and children's shows. It is regarded as one of the finest movie palaces of its time in the country. Tours also available by calling (716) 829-1166.
ADDRESS
646 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 847-1410

ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

Designed by architect Richard Upjohn between 1849-1851, St. Paul's Cathedral is an essential component of one of Buffalo's most memorable streetscapes along Church and North Division Streets.
ADDRESS
Church Street at Pearl Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 852-2356
Website: http://www.stpaulscathedral.org/

TEMPLE BETH ZION

Temple Beth Zion is the work of architects Harrison & Abramovitz in 1966-1967. A modernist, sculptural statement with enormous stained-glass windows designed by the artist Ben Shahn.
ADDRESS
805 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 886-7150

WILLIAMS-BUTLER HOUSE

From architects McKim, Mead & White, the Williams-Butler House was built between 1895-1898. A truly stunning, palatial residence on Buffalo's "Millionaire's Row." Now the Jacobs Executive Development Center of the University at Buffalo.
ADDRESS
672 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 852-2356

WILLIAMS-PRATT HOUSE

Built by architects McKim, Mead & White. An opulent, yet dignified mansion from Buffalo's Golden Age.
ADDRESS
690 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 852-2356

For additional information on Buffalo’s architecture, please visit www.wrightnowinbuffalo.com or consult the following reference sources:

"Buffalo Architecture: A Guide" (MIT Press) by Reyner Banham

"Classic Buffalo: A Heritage of Distinguished Architecture" (Canisius College Press) by Andy Olenick and Richard O. Reisem

For a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Buffalo's architecture, visit www.walkbuffalo.com

Lectures

UB SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

The School is lively and there is inspired work going on in Buffalo-- a city with a rich collection of distinguished architecture and outstanding city planning. Do come and visit us, meet the students and talk with faculty and staff who are working together here at the School to create a lively and stimulating place.
ADDRESS
3435 Main Street
139 Hayes Hall
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 829-3485
Website: http://www.ap.buffalo.edu

Architecture Tours

BUFFALO TOURS

Buffalo is nationally known for its many Victorian and early modern architectural gems. Three of the greatest architects in American history - Richardson, Sullivan and Wright - all have signature buildings in Buffalo. Visitors and residents alike are invited to enjo any of the 50 self-guided audio tours and nearly 500 guided tours now offered by Buffalo Tours. Experience firsthand Buffalo's magnificent historic and architectural heritage. Most guided tours do not require reservations. Simply arrive at the indicated starting point a few minutes before the tour is scheduled to begin. Tours will take place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, call for cancellation information. Please visit their website for tour details.
ADDRESS
617 Main Street, Suite M108
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-3300
Admission: varies
Email: info@buffalotours.com
Website: http://www.buffalotours.org

FORGOTTEN BUFFALO TOURS

The region's authority on unique landmarks, classic taverns, old world neighborhoods and "Nickel City" oddities presents Buffalo's original "Off The Beaten Track" tours. Tours allow "urban explorers" to eat, drink and laugh through history! Lead by the host of Off Beat Cinema, each tour will give you a sense why Buffalo Niagara is one of the most unique urban communities in the world.
ADDRESS
244 Potters Road
Buffalo, NY 14220
(716) 883-5211
Website: http://www.forgottenbuffalo.com

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S DARWIN D. MARTIN COMPLEX

Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest "Prairie House," the five-structure Darwin Martin House Complex, was designed and built from 1903-1905 in the great city of Buffalo, New York.
ADDRESS
125 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 856-3858
Website: http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S GRAYCLIFF

Set high on a cliff with sweeping views over Lake Erie, Graycliff stands as an architectural jewel awaiting your discovery. Built between 1926 and 1929, the Graycliff estate was designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Isabelle R. Martin and her husband, Larkin Company executive Darwin D. Martin. Graycliff served as the Martin summer home from 1927 to the mid-1940s. It is a complex of three buildings that includes the small Heat Hut, the 3,100 square-foot Foster House and the 6,500 square-foot Isabelle R. Martin House, all set amidst eight and a half acres of rolling lawns and gardens also designed by Wright. Broadly cantilevered balconies open the buildings to the soft lake air. On the Isabelle R. Martin House, the second floor floats over a terrace and garden below. Another balcony soars, suspended above a sunken garden. Yet a third balcony overlooks the lake itself, and the spray of Niagara Falls in the far distance. Ribbons of glass windows and doors admit the lake breezes. They also frame views of the lake seen - ingeniously - directly through the house itself.
ADDRESS
6472 Old Lake Shore Road
Derby, NY 14047
(716) 947-9217
Website: http://graycliff.bfn.org

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S ROWING BOATHOUSE

In 1910, at the age of 43, Frank Lloyd Wright traveled to Europe to present what would become his most beloved collection of structure illustrations: the Wasmuth Portfolio. One of these famous drawings was something Wright called "Boathouse for the University of Wisconsin Boat Club." Twenty years later, the architect included this same boathouse in an international exhibition of six of his greatest works. The boathouse idea was obviously a favorite of Wright's, featuring design elements seen in other local treasures like the Martin House and the Larkin Building - large vertical piers supporting horizontal planes. Sadly, it was never constructed. It was one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most significant projects that had never come to fruition - until now. Completed in 2007, the Rowing Boathouse is open to the public for tours.
ADDRESS
Foot of Porter Avenue next to West Side Rowing Club
1 Rotary Row
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 362-3140
Website: http://www.wrightsboathouse.org

HISTORIC BUFFALO RIVER TOURS OF THE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Historic Buffalo River tours and tours of the Colonel Ward pumping station.
ADDRESS
Various Locations
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 856-6696
Website: http://www.industrialheritage-buffalo.com

HULL FAMILY HOME & FARMSTEAD

Circa 1810 Federal-style house which is being restored to be an educational interpretive center. Many special events throughout the year. Seasonal, Jun-Sep, SU 1pm-4pm
ADDRESS
5976 Genesee Street
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 852-3300
Website: http://www.hullfamilyhome.org

Mason Winfield's Haunted History Ghost Walks, Inc.

Take a walk on the spiritual side. Author and researcher Mason Winfield's "haunted history" tours of village streets are good-natured fun and serious research. History, architecture, mystery, parapsychology...GHOSTS! The Niagara Frontier will never look the same. Ghost walks in: Allentown, Theater District, East Aurora, Lewiston, and Williamsville.
ADDRESS
21 South Grove Street, Suite 240
East Aurora, NY 14170
(716) 655-6663
Admission: $10
Website: http://www.masonwinfield.com

OPEN-AIR AUTOBUS OF BUFFALO

Open air bus tours with 360 degree views of historical and architectural attractions. Campaign for Greater Buffalo offers neighborhood walking and bus tours. Scheduled and group tours by appointment.
ADDRESS
561 Forest Avenue #3
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 854-3749
Admission: $10-$25
Website: http://www.openairbuffalo.org

SHEA'S HISTORIC TOURS

Shea's Performing Arts Center is a major cultural institution that has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. Designed by C.W. and George L. Rapp of Chicago, Shea's features an interior of Neo-Spanish Baroque design. Shea's Grand Lobby features a reproduction of the original rendering done by Tiffany Studios for Rapp & Rapp. The intricately ornamented ceiling and spectacular chandeliers fully reflect Tiffany's rendering, one of the only four Tiffany-designed theatres still in existence. Come and tour our historic theatre, one of the finest in the country. Please call in advance to make reservations.
ADDRESS
646 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 847-1410
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors and Students $4, Groups of 20 or more $4.
Website: http://www.sheas.org

WALK BUFFALO TOURS

A self-guided walking tour of downtown Buffalo. Pick up your Walk Buffalo book at the Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center.
ADDRESS
617 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-2356
Website: http://www.walkbuffalo.com

Religious Sites

LILY DALE ASSEMBLY

Large spiritual center celebrating over 125 years. Daily workshops and lectures, bookstore, museum, library, recreational areas, on-site accommodations on Cassadaga Lake. Open daily June 28-September 2. Closed Independence Day.
ADDRESS
Cleveland Avenue
Lily Dale, NY 14752
(716) 595-8721
Admission: $10 per person for 24 hour pass.
Website: http://www.lilydaleassembly.com/

OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE

Fifteen acres of gardens highlighted by a glass dome Basilica topped by a 13 foot statue of Mary. Features over 150 life size bronze and marble statues, natural pond and heart shaped Rosary pool. Daily masses and confessions. Includes cafeteria and gift shop. Handicap accessible.
HOURS
Mon: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Tues: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Wed: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Thur: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ADDRESS
1023 Swann Road
PO Box 167
Youngstown, NY 14174-0167
(716) 754-7489
Website: http://www.fatimashrine.com

OUR LADY OF VICTORY BASILICA AND NATIONAL SHRINE (1926)

Architect: Emilie Ulrich Boasting some of Buffalo Niagara's most exquisite architecture, the Basilica's prominent features include its great dome, main altar, station of the cross, and founder's museum. This ornate Baroque place of worship is renowned for its plenitude of interior and exterior details. It serves as the final resting place for Father Nelson Baker, who is currently a candidate for sainthood. Open tour every Sunday at 1pm; all other tours must be scheduled in advance, please call for Mass schedule.
HOURS
Mon: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Tues: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Wed: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Thur: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Fri: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sat: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sun: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
ADDRESS
767 Ridge Road
Lackawanna, NY 14218
(716) 828-9444
Website: http://www.ourladyofvictory.org

Gardens

BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS (South Park Conservatory)

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is the product of three extraordinary visionaries: landscaping architect Fredrick Law Olmsted, architects Lord & Burnham and botanist / plant-explorer John F. Cowell. The tri-domed glass, wood and steel building was designed by the premier conservatory designers of the time: Lord & Burnham, Co. from New York's Hudson Valley. When it was built in 1897-1899, it was one of the largest public greenhouses in the country.
HOURS
Mon: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Tues: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Wed: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Thur: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sun: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ADDRESS
2655 South Park Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14218
(716) 827-1584
Admission: Adults $6, students (13+ with ID) and seniors (55+) $5, Children(3-12) - $3.00, Children under 3 and Garden Members are free.
Website: http://www.buffalogardens.com

ERIE BASIN MARINA GARDENS

The Erie Basin Marina Gardens, located at the foot of Erie Street on downtown Buffalo's waterfront, is home to a Garden of Specialty Annuals, as well as The Victor and Joan Fuzak Memorial test Rose Gardens. Our site is one of 25 All-American Rose Selection test gardens in the United States. The peak rose bloom is the last week of June and the first week of July. The Specialty Annual flowers include over 200 worldwide varieties of the 2004 introductions from the Ball Seed Corp. Simply Beautiful Series, and Proven Selections. These flowers are incorporated in a 300-foot flower bed along the entrance to the Marina, various other flower beds and more than 50 large planters. May - Oct , daily 7am - 10pm. Open holidays during season.
ADDRESS
329 Erie Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-6503

NIAGARA PARKS BOTANICAL GARDENS

Explore 100 acres of manicured gardens and arboretum as maintained by the School of Horticulture. Features over 2,300 plant varieties and famous rose garden. Open year-round dawn till dusk.
ADDRESS
2405 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Falls, ON L2E6T2
(905) 371-0254
(877) 642-7275
Website: http://www.niagaraparks.com

NIAGARA PARKS BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY

The world's largest glass enclosed butterfly conservatory with over 2,000 free flying tropical butterflies in a rain forest setting. Extended hours in Summer months.
ADDRESS
2405 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Falls, ON L2E6T2
(905) 371-0254
(877) 642-7275
Website: http://www.niagaraparks.com

QUEEN VICTORIA PARK

The park features a valuable collection of unique native and international plant material from around the world. The park also features a major rock garden, a Hybrid T. rose garden, and two attractive carpet-bedding displays. Every spring, 500,000 daffodils herald the arrival of this season.
ADDRESS
Niagara River Parkway
Niagara Falls, ON L2E6T2
(905) 371-0254
(877) 642-7275
Website: http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden/victoriapark.php