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All the United States Arkansas Eureka Springs Thorncrown Chapel
AO Edited

Thorncrown Chapel

This futuristically sylvan church is a glass-enclosed marvel of modern architecture.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

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Kris Livingston
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Thorncrown Chapel   lfhphoto / Atlas Obscura User
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Detail at top inside the chapel   Noella T / Atlas Obscura User
Thorncrown Worship Center - a couple of hundred feet from the chapel.   Noella T / Atlas Obscura User
Architectural style is amazing…   wcarey b1b50a5b / Atlas Obscura User
Thorncrown Chapel by Chaz Decker   Chaz / Atlas Obscura User
Thorncrown Chapel by Chaz Decker   Chaz / Atlas Obscura User
Thorncrown Chapel by Chaz Decker   Chaz / Atlas Obscura User
Beautiful gem in a forested area, taken 2015   wcarey b1b50a5b / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Thorncrown Chapel is a beautiful glass church located in the Ozark Mountains that looks like something that either came from the future or was built by elves. 

Built in 1980 by E. Fay Jones, an architect who had apprenticed with Frank Lloyd Wright, the church is made almost entirely of materials taken from the local wilderness. The high-ceilinged nave stands 48 feet tall and looks as though it has no walls, but is in fact enclosed by 425 separate windows covering over six thousand square feet of glass. On the interior of the structure, angular beams hang down from the peaked ceiling in perfect symmetry, either honoring or mocking the natural symmetry all around.

Thanks to its unique design, the chapel was actually granted National Historic Site status in 2000, a remarkable achievement, since a site is generally required to exist for at least 50 years before even being considered. However the chapel's impact on architecture and design pushed it past this qualification. It has also won numerous architectural awards.   

The Thorncrown Chapel has been open since its construction and has played host to visitors from all over the world. The magical space is still open for daily services as well as special events such as weddings, elven christenings, and time traveller landings.

Related Tags

Churches Architecture Architectural Oddities Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

The Thorncrown Chapel is open seasonally, starting March 1st. Interior pictures need to be taken in a seated position. Donation boxes are near the front doors.

Community Contributors

Added By

shakespeareternal

Edited By

jenneide, mikermnz, lfhphoto, notoriousFIG...

  • jenneide
  • mikermnz
  • lfhphoto
  • notoriousFIG
  • Collector of Experiences
  • cait7911
  • wcarey b1b50a5b
  • Chaz
  • Noella T
  • jlord7
  • mdfnjes2022
  • AlliB

Published

September 8, 2014

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  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorncrown_Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel
12968 U.S. 62
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 72632
United States
36.41475, -93.771795
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Pivot Rock Park

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs

Arkansas

Places 9

Nearby Places

Pivot Rock Park

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

miles away

The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

miles away

Basin Park Hotel

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs

Arkansas

Places 9

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