FAQs
How long is the tour?
The Gropius House tour lasts one hour.
Do we need to take a tour or can we just look around?
All visitors to the house receive a guided tour.
Are there other modern buildings in the neighborhood?
Yes, nearby Woods End Road is a local Historic District because it has three other modern buildings designed by Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and Walter Bogner. Lincoln, Massachusetts, has more than sixty mid-century Modern structures within the town.
Is the Breuer house open to the public?
The Breuer house is privately owned and occupied, as are all the homes on Woods End Road. We ask that you respect the property and privacy of our neighbors.
Why is the Gropius House important?
Walter Gropius, founder of the German school of modern design known as the Bauhaus, was one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. He designed this house as his family home in 1937, when he came to teach at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. Modest in scale, the house was revolutionary in impact. It combines the traditional elements of New England architecture—wood, brick, and fieldstone—with innovative materials rarely used in domestic settings at that time, such as glass block, acoustical plaster, and chrome banisters. Every aspect of the house and surrounding landscape was planned for maximum efficiency and simplicity of design. With all the family possessions still in place, the house has an immediacy rarely found in house museums. This was the first building Gropius created in the United States.
How much land does the Gropius House own?
Historic New England owns five and a half acres of land surrounding the Gropius House.
What is the sculpture in the front of the house?
The outdoor sculpture, titled Winter Pine, was created by Lexington artist Richard Filipowski and installed by the artist and Walter Gropius in the 1950s.
How was the landscape designed?
Like the house, the landscape was planned for maximum efficiency and simplicity of design. The property’s five and a half acres include modest lawns at the front, a formal Japanese garden to the rear, and an apple orchard rolling down to the juncture of Baker Bridge and Woods End Roads.
Can we visit the landscape and picnic?
Yes, we encourage visitors to enjoy the Gropius House landscape every day dawn to dusk. There are lots of places to picnic or enjoy the view. The Gropius House is close to the Town of Lincoln’s conservation trails, and some visitors enjoy taking a walk in the woods.
Is the museum handicapped accessible?
A tour of any Historic New England property requires a considerable amount of standing and some walking. Folding chairs can be provided for visitors who would like to use them during a tour. To retain its historic fabric and character, the Gropius House has not been equipped with handicapped accessible ramps, elevators, or chair lifts. We are glad to offer guests a visual tour of the second floor of the museum from the comfort of our visitor center. We encourage visitors with concerns to call ahead. We are happy to work with you to make your visit an enjoyable one.
Can I take photographs at the Gropius House?
Visitors are welcome to take personal photographs of the exterior of the Gropius House. Members of the media should visit press room. Visitors can arrange in advance to request required permission to take interior photographs for personal use. Permission is not guaranteed and cannot be given on arrival, so please contact the Gropius House site staff well in advance of your visit.
How do I become a member of Historic New England and get more involved?
Join Historic New England now and get involved in preserving and celebrating the region's heritage. To join, call the Membership Office at 617-994-5910 or join online. You can reach the Gropius House staff at 781-259-8098 or by e-mail.
