diff --git a/artiq/__init__.py b/artiq/__init__.py
index 29f6ef2bd..38b84d574 100644
--- a/artiq/__init__.py
+++ b/artiq/__init__.py
@@ -3,3 +3,4 @@ from artiq.language.db import *
 from artiq.language.units import check_unit
 from artiq.language.units import ps, ns, us, ms, s
 from artiq.language.units import Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz
+from artiq.gui.explib import *
diff --git a/artiq/gui/explib.py b/artiq/gui/explib.py
index 0a3a551f8..0f1ee708b 100644
--- a/artiq/gui/explib.py
+++ b/artiq/gui/explib.py
@@ -1,13 +1,11 @@
-import asyncio
-
-from gi.repository import Gtk
+import asyncio as _aio
 
 
 class BaseControls:
     def __init__(self, facilities):
         self.facilities = facilities
 
-    @asyncio.coroutine
+    @_aio.coroutine
     def build(self):
         self.finalize()
 
@@ -21,8 +19,13 @@ class GladeControls(BaseControls):
         self.glade_file = glade_file
         self.top_widget_name = top_widget_name
 
-    @asyncio.coroutine
+    @_aio.coroutine
     def build(self):
+        # lazy import GTK so that the artiq top-level
+        # (which imports from us) can be imported on systems
+        # without GTK installed
+        from gi.repository import Gtk
+
         self.builder = Gtk.Builder()
         data = yield from self.facilities.get_data(self.glade_file)
         self.builder.add_from_string(data)
diff --git a/examples/flopping_f_simulation_gui.py b/examples/flopping_f_simulation_gui.py
index 9d13795f6..e948061a4 100644
--- a/examples/flopping_f_simulation_gui.py
+++ b/examples/flopping_f_simulation_gui.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-from artiq.gui.explib import GladeControls
+from artiq import GladeControls
 
 
 class Controls(GladeControls):