V.C. Morris Gift Shop

Frank Lloyd Wright’s V.C. Morris Gift Shop

On my quest to visit Frank Lloyd Wright buildings around the world, my layover in San Francisco allowed me to find the fabulous V.C. Morris Gift Shop on Maiden Lane. This unassuming masterpiece combines the simple square in its building shape with the smooth curves of the spiral with its interior. Unfortunately, the interior was inaccessible to me since the gallery that occupied it has closed, but I did get a look inside through the front window. Outstanding!

That look in let me glimpse the spiraling ramp from the ground floor. Some say this was Wright’s precursor or test for the Guggenheim. I could see some of the skylight looking like bubbles in a champagne glass.

I particularly like the entrance that merges the rectangular with the circular. The tiered brick half arch on one side and the rock garden on the other lead people inside. Where the white walls dotted artistically with circles is bright and feels very open.

The details on the front exterior wall are simple yet look like a piece of modern art. The vertical line and horizontal lines lead you directly to the entrance where the arched, tiered bricks direct you inside. The narrow bricks are laid in a manner that give the building a wonderful texture, almost basket weave in feel. The façade also bears the red signature tile of its architect.

Perhaps someday, I’ll be able to go inside and experience the rotund interior. Until then, if you would like to see this beautiful building, find the location on my Adventure Patches Map.