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Taliesin West: Wright's Desert Masterpiece

Explore Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architectural school, a stunning example of organic architecture in the Arizona desert.

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Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architectural school in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a stunning example of organic architecture. Nestled in the McDowell Mountains, this National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases Wright's innovative use of desert materials and his vision for a harmonious blend of nature and design.

A brief summary to Taliesin West

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, as tickets are limited and reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as all tours are walking tours with uneven surfaces.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during warmer months, as tours spend time outdoors.
  • Consider a guided tour for a more in-depth experience and access to areas not available on the audio tour.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Taliesin West is located at 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. From downtown Phoenix, take the AZ-202 Loop East and then AZ-101 Loop North to the Shea Blvd exit. Head east on Shea Blvd to Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, then turn left (north). The entrance to Taliesin West will be on your left. Free onsite parking is available. Expect a 25-35 minute drive from downtown Phoenix.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Phoenix, the cheapest way to reach Taliesin West is by bus. Take the Valley Metro line 514 bus from Van Buren St & 1st Av to the Mustang Transit Center. Transfer to another bus heading towards Altadena Av & Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. From there, it is a 35-minute walk to Taliesin West. The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes and costs around $2. Check the Valley Metro website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Scottsdale and can provide a direct ride to Taliesin West. From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, expect to pay between $50-$65 for a taxi or ride-share to Taliesin West, with a travel time of around 29 minutes. Ride-share waiting zones are available at Taliesin West.

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Discover more about Taliesin West

Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark, is Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architectural school, nestled in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale, Arizona. Established in 1937, it served as Wright's desert laboratory and winter residence until his death in 1959. The name 'Taliesin,' meaning 'shining brow,' pays homage to Wright's Welsh heritage and his Wisconsin estate. Built with local materials like desert rocks and sand, Taliesin West exemplifies Wright's organic architectural style, seamlessly blending with the surrounding Sonoran Desert. The structures, initially constructed by Wright and his apprentices, feature low-slung buildings, canvas roofs, and redwood beams, creating a unique desert utopia. Over the years, the complex expanded to include drafting studios, dining facilities, theaters, workshops, and living quarters, all connected by walkways, terraces, and gardens. A visit to Taliesin West offers a glimpse into Wright's architectural genius and his commitment to 'learning by doing'. Explore the grounds on a guided tour or self-guided audio tour, discovering the innovative desert masonry and the harmonious integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The site also hosts cultural and educational programs, providing deeper insights into Wright's work and philosophy. Taliesin West remains a vibrant center for architectural education and a testament to Wright's enduring legacy.

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