FALLINGWATER

2021, but rising costs due to supply-chain issues, inflation and other factors necessitated more funding.

Campaign funds will allow us to replace the waterproofing membranes on the roofs and terraces, repoint and grout stonework to prevent water leaks, conserve steel window and door frames, and repair degraded reinforced concrete.

“This work will be a significant three-year undertaking. We’re preserving a work of architecture that’s much more than just a building. It’s a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, so Fallingwater must be preserved at the highest standards possible,” says Justin Gunther, director of Fallingwater and a vice president of the Conservancy. “We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has supported Fallingwater throughout this campaign.”

Work is now underway and being performed by inhouse staff alongside preservation contractors and professionals. To stay up-to-date on this evolving preservation project, go to Fallingwater.org/ WorldHeritagePreservation for progress photos and ongoing updates.

Visitors locally and from around the world experienced Fallingwater’s 59th tour season, which kicked off March 5, 2022. We continued to offer a variety of interior and exterior tour experiences, where visitors gained insights into Wright’s architecture and design philosophy, and discovered the beautiful natural landscape.

One of our most popular tours, the Guided Architectural Tour, provides interpretation of Fallingwater’s most architectural significant spaces, such as the living room and terraces. Visitors also get insights into the collection and close-up views of custom-made furniture designed by Wright specifically for Fallingwater.

A 2022 visitor from State College, Pa., who took the Guided Architectural Tour, says Fallingwater was a fun experience for the entire family. “Fallingwater has always been on my bucket list, and it did not disappoint! Our 11-year-old son has always loved architecture, so we bought him Fallingwater tickets for Christmas. His mind was blown. Definitely worth the trip! We enjoyed every minute it’s a magical place.”

People shared the same sentiments about the In-Depth Tour, too. On hiatus since 2020 due to COVID-19 protocols, the In-Depth Tour returned in 2022 and allows smaller groups of visitors to explore the secondary spaces of the main and guest house.

Our special fundraising event, the Fallingwater Soirée, was back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Nearly 250 people enjoyed Fallingwater at dusk, with wine, signature cocktails, curated cuisine by Kate Romane of Black Radish Kitchen and the smooth sounds of MCG Jazz. For tickets for the 2023 Soirée on August 12, go to Fallingwater.org/Soiree or scan this code.

Two exhibitions were on view in Fallingwater’s Speyer Gallery last year. “Building Fallingwater” featured a collection, much of it never-before exhibited, of historic photography, archival materials and original film footage of Fallingwater’s main house construction from 1936-1937.

In celebration of Touchstone Center for Crafts’ 50th anniversary, “Touchstone: A Half-Century of Craft,” highlighted the organization’s history and efforts toward promoting craft education in the Laurel Highlands. Fallingwater’s collection, architectural details, and landscape also served as inspiration for six contemporary artists whose unique works in wood, ceramic, metal and paper were on display during the exhibition and auctioned to raise funds for Touchstone.

Charles Lutz, a conceptual artist who grew up in the Laurel Highlands, spent time at Fallingwater in 2020 and 2021 as a Fallingwater Institute artist-inresidence. That experience resulted in the creation of a limitededition porcelain vase inspired by Fallingwater, the Kaufmann family’s role as tastemakers and retailers, and Ruba Rombic glass, a style of early 20th-century moldblown glassware originally designed by Ruben Haley and sold at Kaufmann’s Department Store.

He also created nine metal sculptures for his installation, “Modern Made Leisure.” The sculptures, which paid homage to Ruba Rombic glassware and the Kaufmann family’s style and taste, were on view throughout Fallingwater in 2022. The vase is available for purchase online at FallingwaterMuseumStore.org or onsite at the Fallingwater Museum Store.

475 students used their design and creativity skills to build homes for gnomes around the world

1,o27 school students experienced Fallingwater

161 people from 47 families participated in Family Field Trips at Fallingwater