New Film On Unity Temple Restoration To Screen In Oak Park

OAK PARK, Ill. (Oct. 27, 2021) — A new film about the restoration of Unity Temple will screen Wednesday at Lake Theatre. “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Modern Masterpiece: Unity Temple” offers a glimpse into the detailed restoration efforts at “one of the most admired buildings in the world.”

Directed by Lauren Levine, the 55-minute film expertly combines logistics and history. Levine examines not only the details of preserving Wright’s work, but also the enthusiastic people who dedicated years to the project.

“I was studying a team of artisans, and myself and my crew were a group of creative individuals capturing their creative process,” Levine wrote about the film. “I loved the synchronicity of that and of trying to get into Wright’s head, learn about his process and why he made the decisions he made about Unity Temple.”

From construction workers to stained glass experts, architects to critics, Levine covers the ground. The 100-year-old history of the building and the painstaking efforts to restore it are a must-watch for Oak Park residents who drive past the Lake Street structure on a daily basis.

Narration by Brad Pitt fills in the more technical aspects of the restoration with quotes from Wright himself. It adds a personal and familiar touch to the documentary, but the names and faces behind the years of work is ultimately its most compelling quality. Their passion and dedication to the project is evident, and will be inspiring to even the most architecturally-illiterate viewer.

Tonight’s screening is hosted by the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation. Levine and restoration architect Gunny Harboe will answer audience questions following the film.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members and advanced registration is required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. showing.