Frank Lloyd Wright
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright influenced the mid-century modern architecture movement in the Valley of the Sun through his designs, including but not limited to projects like Taliesin West and Gammage Auditorium.
Taliesin West
The Top of the World
In 1937, the piece of land that would one day house Taliesin West was classified by the Arizona government as a wasteland, not fit for any kind of public development. However, where others saw only devastation, legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright saw something else. “Finally I learned of a site…
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Frank Lloyd Wright Spire
The Capitol that Never Was
On April 5, 1957, Frank Lloyd Wright presented a sketch for the new Arizona State Capitol, which included spires and a grand landmark. Finally, in 2004, his design was finished and created to fulfill his dream.
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The Oasis
Frank Lloyd Wright's Enduring Legacy
Wright's five million dollar design for the Arizona State Capitol never broke ground, but his legacy lives on in the Valley of the Sun.
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Gammage Auditorium
An ASU Icon Since 1964
In 1926, well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright was called to Phoenix to help with the building of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. This was the beginning of Wright's long relationship with Arizona. In the early 1960s, Arizona State University President Grady Gammage wanted Wright to bring a new…
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Gammage Auditorium and the Baghdad Opera House
Wright's Dream Reimagined
It all began with two men. One, is a master architect. The other, is a university president leading a small school toward becoming a major university. Gammage Auditorium resulted from that collaboration--becoming a symbol for ASU and Tempe and emerging as a representation of Wright's enduring…
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Frank Lloyd Wright in the Valley
A Lasting Influence on Arizona Architecture and Design
Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Taliesin West, nestled in the McDowell Mountains is a monument to the architect's philosophy of organic architecture.
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Sierra Stewart developed the tour but was assisted by the research of students who provided research and leadership in various contexts (internships, paid research, or as students.) Thank you to Amy Long, Mark Simonitis, Nick Von Gnechten, and Brittney Sweet.