Fountainhead also known as the J. Willis Hughes House, is a distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian home nestled in Jackson, Mississippi. Commissioned in 1948 by oil speculator J. Willis Hughes, the house was constructed between 1950 and 1954. It stands as a remarkable example of Wright’s organic architecture, characterized by its passive solar hemicycle design and a unique parallelogram-based grid that dictates its angled walls and flowing spaces.
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Preservation and Management
This historically significant Usonian home was recently purchased (2025) by the Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA). This acquisition ensures its long-term preservation and marks a monumental step toward its future as a public architectural treasure in Jackson.
Plan Your Visit
Location
Fountainhead is located at 306 Glenway Drive in Jackson, Mississippi.
Tours
Following the Mississippi Museum of Art‘s 2025 acquisition, Fountainhead will soon transition from a private residence to a public architectural site. Details on official tour schedules, opening dates, and ticket information are currently being finalized by the MMA. Please check back here for the first announcements!
Ayn Rand and the Home’s Name
The home’s name, “Fountainhead,” is a direct nod to Ayn Rand’s seminal novel; Rand herself was known to have corresponded with Wright and was reportedly inspired by his independent spirit when creating the character of architect Howard Roark.
Exploring the Vibrant Fondren Neighborhood
Located in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood, the Fountainhead offers a fascinating architectural experience within reach of local attractions. Visitors to Jackson can explore the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, or enjoy the lively arts and dining scene in Fondren itself.
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Fountainhead at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home!
- After Nearly 50 Years, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fountainhead Home Changes Hands by Fred A. Bernstein November 22, 2025 (article)
- The Fountainhead (25th Anniversary Edition) by Ayn Rand (Author)
