Taliesin West: A Tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright

In the northeast of Scottsdale, Arizona, there is a living memorial to great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains and surrounded by the spectacular Sonoran Desert lies a sprawling 600-acre complex called Taliesin West, designed and built by Wright. The buildings and landscape of this National Historic Landmark coexist in harmony, blending form and color, beauty and grace, nature and science.

Born in 1867, Wright grew up in rural Wisconsin, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a deep appreciation for the landscape. He began his architectural career soon after studying civil engineering. Wright was known as a revolutionary and nonconformist, rejecting stale architectural ideas in favor of a vibrant American aesthetic. He envisioned “organic architecture,” advocating for designs that integrate with their surroundings, as exemplified by his Prairie House principles which emphasized open spaces.

Factoid: Wright first visited Arizona in 1927, staying at a camp near Chandler.

1. Why Did He Build Taliesin West?

Taliesin I was constructed in 1911 in Wisconsin, taking its name from the Welsh term meaning “a shining brow,” reflecting its scenic location. This site served as a home, workplace, and cultural center for Wright’s students, with every detail, including furniture, carefully crafted by him. After suffering severe fire damage in 1914, it was rebuilt twice more into Taliesin II and III.

In 1927, architect Albert Chase McArthur, a former student of Wright’s, invited him to help design the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Despite initial opposition to his unique architectural style, Wright’s design principles eventually left a lasting impact. This award-winning property is notably recognized as “the only existing hotel in the world with a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design.”

Once familiar with the Arizona landscape, Wright and his students set out to create Taliesin West using indigenous materials extensively.

Visitors to Taliesin West are often impressed by the expansive site and the elaborate structures made from locally sourced desert rock, complemented by redwood beams and canvas ceilings. The design conveys a sense of permanence and connection to nature, seamlessly integrated with its surroundings.

Wright described Taliesin West as belonging to the Arizona desert, as if it had existed since the dawn of time.

Factoid: In 1937, at the age of 70, Wright began work on what would become his winter residence in a secluded area of Scottsdale.

2. Frank Lloyd Wright in Arizona

Wright established the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in 1932 to impart his theories and design principles. Seeking refuge from harsh Wisconsin winters, he returned to Arizona a few years later to build Taliesin West.

Over the next 22 years until his death in 1959, Taliesin West transformed into more than just a winter haven. Wright garnered numerous awards, and his contributions as a writer, inventor, and architect flourished.

Throughout his time in Arizona, Wright designed several notable projects, including the iconic Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium at Arizona State University, completed after his passing.

Factoid: While Wright designed many buildings across Arizona, most never came to fruition.

3. Public Tours

Visitors can only access the Taliesin West complex through guided tours. The site includes The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the Frank Lloyd Wright Memorial Foundation, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and Wright’s home, alongside the Taliesin Association of Artists.

Several tours are offered at Taliesin West, including:

• Panorama Tour: 1 hour. Explore the Cabaret Theater, Music Pavilion, Kiva, Wright’s office, outdoor areas, and gardens.
• The Insights Tour: 90 minutes. As above, plus access to Wright’s private living quarters.
• Behind-the-Scenes: 3 hours. A deep dive into Taliesin West, with opportunities to engage with Wright’s former associates.
• Desert Walk: 90 minutes. Guided stroll focusing on native materials used in Wright’s designs.
• Desert/Insights Tour: A combination tour, offered from November through April.
• Night Lights in the Desert: 2 hours of exploration at twilight, featuring light refreshments during the holiday season.

Factoid: Taliesin West spans 640 acres and welcomes over 150,000 visitors each year.

4. Other Activities

The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture provides accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees, bringing together students and faculty year-round.

Additionally, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives is recognized as the largest collection related to a single artist in one location, housing invaluable documents and artifacts.

Special events at Taliesin West promote various performances, exhibitions, and workshops, enhancing public appreciation for this National Historic Landmark. However, reservations for corporate functions are permitted, with certain restrictions on political, activist, or religious events.

Factoid: The Archives hold over 22,000 original drawings and 400,000 artifacts.

5. Tips for Visiting

Here are some important tips for your visit:

• Guests cannot roam freely; guided tours are mandatory.
• Reservations are advisable for tours, which can be arranged at the gift shop.
• Most tours operate year-round, including summer. Be sure to carry water, as refreshments are not available during tours.
• Photography is allowed at Taliesin West, excluding the gift shop area.
• These tours may not accommodate very young children, as no specific activities are provided for them.
• Entrance to the gift shop is complimentary and offers a unique selection of items in the Valley of the Sun.

Factoid: Taliesin West was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982.

6. Address and Directions

Taliesin West, the Arizona home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, is situated east of Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance is located at the intersection of Cactus Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard (114th Street) in northeast Scottsdale.

Address:

12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85259

GPS: 33.606395,-111.845172

Parking is complimentary. Discounts are offered for seniors, military personnel, students, and youth for most tours.

While entrance to the gift shop is free, Taliesin West operates daily, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Phone: 480-860-2700

Directions: From The Loop 101 (Pima Loop) in Scottsdale, exit at Cactus Road and continue east to Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Cross over Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, which becomes Taliesin Drive, and follow the road to Taliesin West.