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The Watts Towers, called “Nuestro Pueblo” ("Our Village" in Spanish) by the artist, is a single wedge-shaped site containing 17 integrated sculptural metal and concrete towers ranging up to 99.5 feet high (30 m), various architectural and sculptural features, and mosaic panels and pavement.
The three 'Gothic' spires of the fabulous Watts Towers rank among the world’s greatest monuments of folk art. In 1921 Italian immigrant Simon Rodia set out ‘to make something big’ and then spent 33 years cobbling together this whimsical free-form sculpture from concrete, steel and a motley assortment of found objects: green 7Up bottles to sea shells, tiles, rocks and pottery.
Watts Towers Arts Center. The First 54 Years 1961-2015. Where Truth & Art Connect. By Rosie Lee Hooks . T he 54-Year old Watts Towers Arts Center is synonymous with the Watts Towers of Simon Rodia. It has been the curator and guardian of the Watts Towers since its inception in 1961 when Lucile Krasne taught the first classes on the foundation ...
Jul 3, 2023 · In protest, artists and activists formed the Committee for Simon Rodia’s Towers in Watts (CSRTW). They demanded the City allow a stress test to determine the towers’ stability. Following the successful test, designed by N.J. (“Bud”) Goldstone, in October 1959, and some minor repairs, the towers were opened to the public in 1960.
For further information on the Watts Towers of Simon Rodia located at 1761-1765 East 107th Street call the Cultural Affairs Department (213) 473-8493 or the Watts Towers Arts Center and tours call (213) 847-4646 fax (323) 564 7030 add +1 when dialing from abroad e-mail cadwattsctr@earthlink.net
The Watts Towers are located within the Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park at 1765 East 107th Street in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The site is easily accessible by Metro Line A, the blue line. The best stop is 103rd Street/Watts Towers and from there you will have to walk about 8-10 minutes down Graham Avenue to reach them.
Dec 5, 2014 · Landscape Information. Constructed in a densely urbanized residential neighborhood on a triangular lot measuring one-third of an acre, this assemblage of seventeen vernacular sculptural pieces was created by Italian immigrant Sabato (“Simon”) Rodia. Between 1921 and 1955, Rodia developed the mosaic garden, which included a patio, benches ...
