Watts Towers
Seventeen interconnected structures rise from a small residential lot, carrying hand-set fragments, tools, names, and repeated forms built over more than three decades.
Artwork inspired by Corita Kent
Seventeen interconnected structures rise from a small residential lot, carrying hand-set fragments, tools, names, and repeated forms built over more than three decades. The towers belong equally to one maker’s persistence and Watts community stewardship. Watts Towers becomes easier to read when built (1921–1954), artist (Simon Rodia), and height (99.5 feet) are held together rather than treated as disconnected labels.
Take a guided interior tour if available, then examine how ordinary broken material becomes line, surface, and structural rhythm. Interior access depends on conservation and staffing; never climb or touch mosaic surfaces, and confirm which entrance is operating.
- Built
- 1921–1954
- Artist
- Simon Rodia
- Height
- 99.5 feet
Quick guide
- Start with
- Take a guided interior tour if available, then examine how ordinary broken material becomes line, surface, and structural rhythm.
- Look closely at
- Compare central tower with mosaic fragments, then use hand-built armature to test what the site is trying to communicate.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Take a guided interior tour if available, then examine how ordinary broken material becomes line, surface, and structural rhythm.
- Look closely at
- Compare central tower with mosaic fragments, then test that reading against hand-built armature.
- Place in context
- Built: 1921–1954; Artist: Simon Rodia; Height: 99.5 feet
- Plan the arrival
- For Watts Towers, use the reviewed visitor entrance at 1765 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002. Before visiting Watts Towers, check current parking, transit, reservation, security, and.
Good to know
Interior access depends on conservation and staffing; never climb or touch mosaic surfaces, and confirm which entrance is operating.
Notice these
- central tower
- mosaic fragments
- hand-built armature