Thorncrown Chapel, Timberlands Travel Guide

Thorncrown Chapel, a celebrated architectural gem near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, offers a tranquil escape into nature and spiritual reflection. Designed by E. Fay Jones and completed in 1980, the chapel rises 48 feet into the Ozark sky, its intricate wooden structure and 425 windows creating a breathtaking interplay of light and shadow.Commissioned by Jim Reed, a retired schoolteacher, the chapel was envisioned as a non-denominational sanctuary for meditation. Inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, Jones designed a space that seamlessly blends with its woodland setting, using primarily organic materials such as pressure-treated pine and native stone. The chapel's design ensures that no structural element was too large for two men to carry through the woods, preserving the site's natural integrity.Inside, over 6,000 square feet of glass offer panoramic views of the surrounding forest, creating an immersive experience of nature. The latticelike diagonal web of light wood pieces connecting the columns overhead is a key visual feature, creating dappled light reminiscent of a forest canopy. The chapel seats up to 100 people and hosts weddings and non-denominational services.Since opening in 1980, Thorncrown Chapel has welcomed millions of visitors and earned numerous architectural accolades. These include the American Institute of Architects' Design of the Year Award in 1981 and the AIA's prestigious 25 Year Award. The AIA also placed Thorncrown Chapel fourth on its list of the top buildings of the twentieth century. Visitors can explore the chapel daily, immersing themselves in its serene atmosphere and admiring its unique design.