Embedded Files
DESCRIPTION: The Watts Towers consist of a single wedge-shaped site containing 17 integrated sculptural metal and concrete towers, architectural and sculptural features, mosaic panels, and etched pavement, with inlaid and embedded salvaged ceramic, porcelain, glass, shell, rock fragments, "found objects" and artifacts throughout
The Watts Towers were called 'Nuestro Pueblo' ('Our Village' in Spanish) by their creator, Simon Rodia. He built the entire site, including his residence, the towers, sculptures, structures, and mosaics, by hand over a 33-year period. The Watts Towers site is classified as a Historical Landmark and a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two Google Arts & Culture exhibits illustrate Rodia's "ship" design and subsequent creation of village space or "pueblo" with high resolution photographs of notable components: towers, spires, house and "pueblo" entrances, the cactus garden sculpture, fountain sculpture, gazebo, ceremonial steps, and exterior street-facing mosaic panels.
Watts Towers - Part 1: Rodia's Ship | Google Arts & Culture Watts Towers - Part 2: Rodia's Pueblo | Google Arts & Culture
- 17 metal and concrete towers ranging up to 99.5 feet high (30m)
- architectural and sculptural features
- mosaic panels
- etched pavement
The Watts Towers were called 'Nuestro Pueblo' ('Our Village' in Spanish) by their creator, Simon Rodia. He built the entire site, including his residence, the towers, sculptures, structures, and mosaics, by hand over a 33-year period. The Watts Towers site is classified as a Historical Landmark and a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two Google Arts & Culture exhibits illustrate Rodia's "ship" design and subsequent creation of village space or "pueblo" with high resolution photographs of notable components: towers, spires, house and "pueblo" entrances, the cactus garden sculpture, fountain sculpture, gazebo, ceremonial steps, and exterior street-facing mosaic panels.
Watts Towers - Part 1: Rodia's Ship | Google Arts & Culture Watts Towers - Part 2: Rodia's Pueblo | Google Arts & Culture
LOCATION: Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park, 1765 East 107th Street, Watts, Los Angeles, California, USA
Public tours outside the gates are provided by the adjacent Watts Towers Arts Center.
Public tours outside the gates are provided by the adjacent Watts Towers Arts Center.
ARCHWAY IN FRONT OF THE ENTRANCE TO RODIA'S HOME AT NUMBER 1765 (THE RESIDENCE AND GARAGE NO LONGER EXIST):
ENTRANCE TO "NUESTRO PUEBLO" AREA (WITH "1921" DATE):
DETAIL SHOWING RODIA'S SIGNATURE INITIALS "SR":
EXTERIOR SHELL OF RODIA'S GARAGE:
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