flwrightus2.bmp

 

FLWreturn1.bmp

 

FLWreturn2.bmp

FLWreturn3.bmp

redsquare.jpg

S.399 – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church,

9400 West Congress Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

 

Photographed on May 11, 2012.  The church is one of Wright’s most famous designs, and deservedly so.  Located in a Milwaukee suburb, its round shape and reflecting pool make it one of the most beautiful buildings to photograph.  It is hard to get a bad shot, with access all around the exterior.  Clear blue skies cannot be guaranteed, however.

 

To me, this building inspires more contemplation and reflection than any Wright design, other than Fallingwater.  Standard Wright touches take on a whole new meaning when I see this church.  The planters – merely vessels for foliage at other Wright designs – become offering dishes to God.  The ubiquitous “water feature” hint at baptism when displayed in front of a church.  Even the unique features, such as the roof line, take on a significance that may or may not have been intended (for example, despite the Orthodox preference for two-dimensional iconography, is the roofline a massive three-dimensional crown of thorns?).

 

Alas, while limited tours can be arranged for groups of 15 or more, the building is otherwise closed to the public except during church functions.

 

100_3149.JPG

 

 

100_3121.JPG

 

100_3125.JPG  100_3127.JPG

 

100_3126.JPG

 

100_3128.JPG  100_3130.JPG

 

100_3131.JPG  100_3134.JPG

 

100_3132.JPG  100_3136.JPG

 

100_3133.JPG  100_3135.JPG

 

100_3137.JPG  100_3138.JPG

 

100_3146.JPG  100_3139.JPG

 

100_3140.JPG  100_3141.JPG

 

100_3142.JPG  100_3143.JPG

 

100_3145.JPG  100_3144.JPG

 

100_3147.JPG  100_3122.JPG

New 05/19/2012

Revised 09/30/2012

 

redsquare.jpg