“An urban architectural laboratory”
Arcosanti is an experimental town and molten bronze bell casting community that has been developed by the Italian-American architect, Paolo Soleri, who began construction in 1970 in central Arizona, 70 mi north of Phoenix, at an elevation of 3,732 feet. Using a concept he called arcology, he started the town to demonstrate how urban conditions could be improved while minimizing the destructive impact on the earth. He taught and influenced generations of architects and urban designers who studied and worked with him there to build the town. The Arcosanti site has a camp area built for the original construction crew. It is used today as housing for the people of the agricultural department. They maintain greenhouses, gardens, and agricultural fields. Terraced greenhouses are planned along the slope of the main building site for gardening space and to collect heat to distribute through the buildings. At present, the town is primarily an education center, with students from around the world visiting to attend workshops, classes, and continue construction. 40,000 tourists visit yearly. Tourists can take a guided tour of the site or make reservations to stay overnight in guest accommodations. Some Arcosanti funding comes from selling the metal and ceramic bells made and cast from bronze on site. Additional funding comes from donations and fees for workshops, which last up to five weeks. Much of the present construction at Arcosanti has been done by workshop participants and volunteers.The average salary at Arcosanti is minimum wage.
Visit. Take the (quite affordable) tour and marvel at the architecture, history and collective. Buy a bell. Leave with a lighter heart.
Do not go if it is raining or just rained as it is a mud road off the highway. We just stuck in the mud and AAA would not come and help. David and Melanie helped us. We will try again on dry day!
Really unique and interesting experience to spend the night here and talk to the residents!
They won't let you go anywhere without the tour. We didn't get to see anything. Watch out for cows on the road!
Be the first to add a review to the Arcosanti.
Arcosanti
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Showers
-
Fifty Amp
-
Tent Sites
-
Full Hookup
-
Reservations
-
Sewer Hookup
-
Water Hookup
-
Potable Water
-
Standard Tent Sites
-
Outdoor Seating
Campground, Parking, Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The top things to do on an I-40 road trip
- 35 Places
- 49:44
- 2,851 mi
The top things to do on an I-10 road trip
- 55 Places
- 56:13
- 3,026 mi