Taliesin West

12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA

Address:	12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
Phone:	+1 480-627-5340
Site:	franklloydwright.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Pat Chandrashekar

This tour could have been conducted in any university lecture hall. It consisted of the group being marshaled from one location to another in order to sit and listen to a lecture by the tour leader. We first were sat down in FLW’s office and lectured to for about 20 minutes solid. No chance for pictures or questions before we were led to the yard, where we were positioned so that we look outward at the power lines in the distance for another 20 minute lecture. Our backs were to the buildings and pool, so that in order to take a picture, we had to turn our backs to the tour leader who talked only about the power lines in the distance. We then were led to a living room area where no pictures were allowed and told to sit down again for more lecture – about 15 minutes this time. Then to the bedroom again to sit down and listen – no pictures allowed. After that we were hustled to a theatre room to sit down and listen again. This would have been a good opportunity to actually show some pictures of FLW’s other projects to illustrate his work, but no, another 20 minute lecture, no opportunity for questions as another group was hot on our heels wanting to get in. We passed through an orchard on our way to the last sitting lecture but the tour leader was already overtime so he hurried us along. The last stop was a cabaret hall where again there was no opportunity for questions. Had I known that after this stop we would not be permitted to stay in the grounds to take pictures, I would have been ruder and turned my back to the guide to actually have a look at what he was talking about. I was extremely disappointed with the “tour”. It was extremely poor value for the money. Hopefully it was just the tour guide that my group happened to get (D) and that other groups left happier.

Jamie Fitzgerald

My wife and I absolutely loved our tour of Taliesin West. It was very informative and gave us invaluable insight into the thought process of one of our favorite architects. Were both big fans of Frank Lloyd Wright but have never had the opportunity or privilege to set foot into one of his designs before, so this was a real treat for us. The property embraces the fact that its in a desert, and as youll see on the tour, when it was originally built it was completely in the desert and miles away from civilization. Mr. Wright took advantage of that and the result is almost more of a compound than a "house", with multiple buildings spread around but always connected to the desert and complimentary of the surrounding landscape. One of the things we found most interesting was how the doorways, entrances and hallways were almost all purposefully tiny and acted as "compression points" before you "opened" into the larger interior spaces. Its a design element that lets you "feel" what the architect wants you to experience and cant be conveyed in pictures, which makes a visit here in person a must.

Teressa Jackson

Its really amazing to see what Frank Lloyd Wright created with very little since he was broke when he arrived here. I loved all the natural materials incorporated in comparison to the plastic "perfection" we surround ourselves with today. The style still feels undoubtedly modern, but it also has a lot of rough edges. I didnt care for all the focus on "sitting" on the tour, but I guess thats what a lot of people want. I dont care about sitting in a chair. Also, the guides manner of speaking was kind of difficult to follow. She struggled at times for the right words and most of the time talked 90 miles an hour. She also assumed that information was known about FLW by the group that I feel sure many people (including myself) did not know. Still a 5 star tour. Its fantastic that they let you enter these spaces and that they are still part of a living, breathing school. A real treasure!

Denise Wendt

Complete waste of time and money. The entire tour could have been finished in 10 minutes, yet it was stretched out to an hour and a half - presumably to make people feel like they were getting their moneys worth. Our tour guide made the group stand outside in the sun in 100 degree heat while droning on about pointless FLW facts, when she could have easily told us all of the facts inside with air conditioning. We didnt get to go into several of the rooms featured on the tour because they are under renovations (and no, our tickets were not discounted for the lesser tour). To add insult to injury, after the tour was over we were held captive in music pavilion and pressured into donating even MORE money to the foundation. I will never go there again, and unless you are a die hard FLW fan, dont waste your time or money.

David Dixon

Your experience may vary depending on which tour guide you get to take your around, but this is truly a must see for Phoenix. To see the raw creativity that Frank Lloyd Wright put into his own house with no client to appease is pretty impressive. It is difficult to not let your own creativity run wild as you stand in the place and see his solutions to simple problems he has to face. The history and the things to see are very impressive to be a part of, so make sure to stop here. As said in another review, I now want to go see Taliesin in Wisconsin as well as his other places.

Andrew Lynch

Taliesin West is by far one of the most immersive tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright works. He pulled out all the stops for his home away from home/architectural school. Special highlights include being able to actually sit in the furniture of his living room, the expansive view and an interesting insight into his ability to use nature to his advantage. Here he designed rooms and the lighting based on positions of the sun during certain times of day. I havent been to tons of his places but this certainly will remain one of the highlights.

FRANCO AZZARO

FRANK lha progettata quando era su Marte prima di atterrare sulla Terra,poi ci ha fatto questo dono costruendola su questo nostro pianeta.Se gli avessero affidato il governo della Terra, avremmo vissuto tutti più liberi,in democrazia e più felici per sempre.

Robert Buchser

Went with my two older sons, took the 1-1/2 hour tour with about 20 other folks - it lasted almost two hours. Our tour guide was very informative and fielded multiple questions from the group with ease. He truly was focused in relating as much information about the Wright Way, both technique of teaching and the progression through history. Well worth the time. Since this is the winter home of the students, makes me wonder about the other have half of the year in Wisconsin . . . new entry on the bucket list!

Michael Wofford

I did the 3 hour tour with only 4 other folks. We asked a lot of questions along with being able to visit with one of Franks students from the early 50s. He was informative and answered all our inquisitive questions. It is amazing how this place was built within its climate and surroundings. I would now want to see the location in Wisconsin. If you like architecture, you should stop in and see the site. Note, if you are over 6 tall, be careful not to hit your head on the tour.