USA Guide
The Southwest
Taliesin West
Whatever its general appearance may suggest, Phoenix has attracted some visionary designers. Frank Lloyd Wright came to the city to work on the Biltmore Hotel, and stayed for most of the 25 years before his death in 1959. His winter studio, Taliesin West – at 114th Street and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, at Scottsdale's northeastern edge – is now an architecture school and a working design studio, with multimedia exhibits of the man's life and work. It's still a splendidly isolated spot, and one where his trademark "organic architecture" makes perfect sense. The site can only be seen on guided tours; you can join either an hour-long "Panorama Tour" ($27) or a ninety-minute "Insight Tour" ($32), which are offered at frequent intervals. The expertise and enthusiasm of the guides makes the experience well worth the price.
Opening time: Oct– May daily 10am–4pm, June & Sept daily 9am–4pm, July & Aug Mon & Thurs– Sun 9am–4pm
Telephone: 480/860-2700
Website: www.franklloydwright.org
Price: $27-32