Taliesin West

I was visiting from Pennsylvania. This was a fantastic place to visit about the history of Frank Lloyd wright along with his many designs. I took the self-guided tour so I went at my own pace and was fascinated by all the interesting architectural elements of the Frank Lloyd wright house. One of the highlights that I saw was the drawing room and in the drawing room where sketches of a synagogue which is located only 3 mi away from my home here in Pennsylvania. Actually a friend of mine got married in that synagogue. The people there were very friendly and the gift shop had many souvenirs to choose from. I would definitely recommend this place. I really enjoyed it.

Such a cool site to visit! Out of the several Frank Lloyd Wright locations we’ve explored, this one has definitely been our favorite. The design, detail, and overall atmosphere are absolutely stunning. It’s a must-see for anyone even remotely interested in architecture truly some of the best I’ve seen anywhere in the country. Don’t miss it!

Come learn about one of the historical artistic and thought leaders in the field of architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright took an annual camping site and turned it into a renowned school over a multi year effort. It's definitely a site to visit while in Arizona.

We enjoyed a self guided audio tour of this Frank Lloyd Wright property- previously a school of design which was built as a “camp” in the desert. Lovely and remote. A quiet January afternoon without crowds even though we purchased our tickets in advance. A few years ago I had visited when tours were done by staff. I found that tour to be more stimulating and in-depth. However, I’m grateful they at least had the audio option this visit.

Great way to enjoy a piece of architecture history. Frank Llyod Wright was a genius. Self guided tour was easy to download and use. We went mid April, 85° and it was nice to see you could borrow red umbrellas to keep you shaded as you walked the grounds. Crowds were low at this time of the year as well.

The audio self-guided tour was great, lasting exactly an hour. It was very informative and interesting without being long and monotonous. The site is amazing and you don't have to be an architect to appreciate the architectural significance. The price for admission was very fair for the value I felt we received. Highly recommended.

Frank Lloyd Wright's renowned Arizona home and winter retreat is absolutely stunning—a true testament to his signature organic architectural style. My wife and I did the self-guided audio tour and were genuinely impressed with how well it was designed. The layout, narration, and pacing made it easy to explore at our own pace while gaining a deep appreciation for Wright's vision and the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape. Highly recommended for anyone interested in architecture or design.

Visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Phoenix was an unforgettable experience! The way the architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape is absolutely stunning — every detail feels thoughtful and connected to nature. The flow from outdoor to indoor spaces is so natural, it’s almost like the desert becomes part of the house itself. We took the guided tour and it truly brought the design philosophy to life — the guides were knowledgeable, passionate, and added so much to the experience. Highly recommend a visit if you appreciate beautiful architecture and inspiring spaces!

Guided tour with headphones was very nice to go at my own pace and learn about how Frank Lloyd Wright designed his home in Arizona. They give you headphones if you do not bring your own, and just ask for you to return the adapter, which they have for usbc and lightning. They also had a standalone device for those who can't download the app. $40 was a bit steep for a tour that seemingly has time blocks even though it is self guided. The store has some great pieces for gifts which are tax free.

If you are a creative, an architecture fan, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, please do not refrain from partaking of this venue. The STAFF are kind, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I have visited a variety of Frank Lloyd Wright works and other Craftsman originals in California and when you sit in a FLW space it is something that can be hard to describe. There is a sense of peace and tranquility, "true" FLW visitors do not speak when sitting in a FLW space but they do gaze, examine, admire, appreciate and feel grateful that they were there, in the presence of greatness. My wife is not the craftsman or FLW fan that I am, but she is a musician and I am a writer. As a result she appreciates art and artistry and originality. We did the self-audio tour and it was smooth and easy. I grabbed my old skool wired headphones and she grabbed her wireless ear buds. I could not recall my Apple password so I used their provided MP3 player going double old skool on this venture. You can see the wear and tear on the dwellings via aging and the hot desert sun but this does not take away from the experience of being in its presence. The gift store was additionally cool, but I used restraint since we will have some hefty dinner bills coming our way on this 3-day trip along with a round of overpriced AZ golf. Thankfully our stay at the AZ Biltmore tonight is covered on points so that helps. Do yourself a favor my friends..."sniff in"..."and sniff all the way in" to this original gem. The wife was so inspired she is already looking into visiting Fallingwater in PA and Taliesin in Wisconsin.

I'd heard from many people that Taliesin West wasn't to be missed on a trip to Phoenix. I'm so glad I listened! This place is interesting for anyone who likes architecture, history, nature, and learning about communal living. Taliesin West has their tours down to a science. You have a timed entry, and an audio guided tour. We got an email the day before telling us we could download an app and use our own phones and headphones, if we wanted. That made it so quick and easy once we got there! We were literally guided through 16 stops throughout the property. I'd say each stop had 2-4 minutes of audio, and really points out small details in each space that might otherwise be missed. I felt like I learned a lot about architecture and Wright as a person! The only thing I would have liked to see more of was living quarters. We mostly saw working spaces and communal dining and entertainment spaces, but I wanted to see where people slept! What did the bathrooms look like, where did the food get cooked, etc. Still a very cool experience! Also a great gift shop.

This work of architecture mastery is sure something ... A unique and expansive house which complements its desert environment. Created and lived in by Frank Lloyd Wright and his family. You can enter his studio and see some of his famous building designs !! Definitely worth a visit. Fascinating structures and natural materials.

This is by far one of the best historic experiences in the greater Phoenix area. After 4 years of visiting as an architecture buff I final stumbled upon Taliesin West, and years later, I'm still reveling in the experience at this historic landmark. I chose to tour solo with a borrowed headset and iconic red umbrella to beat the heat! There are group options, behind the scenes tours, family tours and unique nighttime programming (where I'm sure the space transforms), but the solo tour allows you to explore (and photograph) the inner works of the indoor, outdoor, and studio spaces at your own pace which is appreciated. A few tips: *Be mindful that you'll be walking in an out of spaces so the experience is a bit less comfortable in the summer heat or in poor weather! *wear comfortable shoes, and lather on the sunscreen you'll be walking! *this is not one and done, there's certainly enough information and experiences provided to explore this historic landmark in many ways!

One of the more experiential FLW locations. I will always love the J&J campus with all of the interesting and funny stories (like the three legged secretary chairs) but this was a wonderful example of how he is able to incorporate nature into his design. Form and function, with gorgeous colors you don't always see in other designs. The audio tour was very good and a nice length. The gift shop was awesome-- wish we'd allotted more time in the day to visit it! Overall would absolutely recommend visiting if you love architecture or art.

I enjoyed the self-guided audio tour and grounds displaying the organic architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and laboratory in the Sonoran desert, when I visited on a weekday this January. Named on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Taliesin West is located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The name Taliesin West nods to the original first home, Taliesin, located in Frank Lloyd Wright's native Wisconsin. Established in 1937, TW was built and cared for mainly by Wright himself and his apprentices. Preferring local materials, it was built using desert masonry consisting of local rock, cement, desert sand and wood. Roofs made of canvas are still covering the buildings today and provide nice, muted sunlight for the day tours. Glass windows were installed much later. I learned all of this and much, much more while listening to the self-guided audio tour that pointed out all of the significant features of the grounds, much of the history, and even quotes from Frank Lloyd Wright himself, in his own voice. Much of the art, including petroglyph rocks, Asian sculptures and panels, and furniture pieces that could be considered pieces of art themselves, are also described in the audio tour. After checking in at the ticket booth located directly beyond two large parking lot areas, audio tour devices and headphones can be picked up in the gift store located nearby. Restrooms are also located inside the gift store. There's not much shade when exploring the exterior so bring a hat and sunglasses if so inclined. The studio where Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices worked was also able to be toured. His original desk is still located in the same spot. Blueprints of several of his designs are tacked to the display boards near the drafting tables. I was impressed at how every design, color, and material were carefully thought out to flow and become one with the native desert surroundings. My favorite quote of Frank Lloyd Wright's during the self guided tour was as I looked out from the "bow" of the grounds (so named because it can be imagined as the bow of a ship), an angled concrete ledge that dropped off into the undeveloped Sonoran desert, he explained that the unique vegetation and dirt floor against the desert sky reminded him of being under the ocean on the sea floor. I couldn't help but agree, and wondered why this had never occurred to me before. He has influenced my way of seeing and experiencing the desert, even from beyond the grave. I found this to be an excellent tour and came away knowing more about Frank Lloyd Wright and also feeling closer to nature.

Of architecture, of art, Taliesin West is a masterpiece right from the start! Finally! After trying many times to work this visit into my schedule, I finally found the time to go see Taliesin West in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale. The word "Taliesin" means "shining brow" in Welsh, which pays homage to the owner and architectural genius, Frank Lloyd Wright. The first Taliesin, located in Wisconsin, was built on the "brow" of a hill. The Arizona counterpart is just as captivating for visitors with its stunning desert setting. Taliesin West was built in 1937 using local materials such as desert rocks and sand, echoing its Arizona surroundings. It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. I absolutely have a deep appreciation for UNESCO sites and have visited many, especially during my travels around Asia and the UK. Visiting Taliesin West was an amazing immersive experience. The audio tour (which you must download on your device) guides you through every stop, providing detailed descriptions that enhance your appreciation for the site. There are 16 stops, each showcasing the site's amazing artistic design. The tour starts in Whitman Square, a beautiful open area that sets the stage for the rest of the visit. From there, we moved to the Courtyard, a lovely outdoor space where you can really appreciate the architecture. The next stop was Frank Lloyd Wright's office, where we could see where he worked and got inspired. Throughout the house, there are beautiful Chinese porcelain decorations, adding a unique and artistic touch to the place. My favorite was the Prow Pool, which adds incredible beauty to the house. There is also the Cabaret Theater, designed as a venue for the apprentices to enjoy the cultural aspects of the arts, especially music and theater. Now that I've visited Taliesin West, stepped onto it, and immersed myself in the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright, I can't wait to visit Taliesin East in Wisconsin very soon.

Even though it was a hot day, we enjoyed the tour with audio. If I would have known the audio downloaded on my phone, I would have brought my AirPods but they provide you with ear buds that connect to your phone. The audio was very informative and also not boring! Highly recommend.

You can see many FLW design aesthetics, elements, and techniques. While I still hold Fallingwater as his number one contribution to society that's still in existence, this is still a fabulous historically registered and well-kept home that allowed me to see some new touches of FLW in a new and different environment, from the woods to the desert landscape. This site was cool, in that it's made up of several spread out rooms/spaces, as opposed to be stacked onto to make multi floors. Phoenix's hot, so single-level makes it easier to cool, naturally or AC, either way. Definitely take a tour. There's an audio tour you listen through the downloaded app; they don't offer their in-depth guided tour during the spring/summer/fall months - I'm assuming it's too crowded and hot, and not enough time in the cooler part of the day to fully explain and give context. We took cordless headphones, a definite recommendation if you're not keen on holding a phone up to your ear for an hour or so. Don't want to spoil it, so I'll just say my fav view is from the front yard looking back on the house. Love the front pond, and the view of the Tempe surroundings is pretty spectacular!

A lovely experience at a Christmas party on the breathtaking grounds of Frank Lloyd Wright home. How blessed Scottsdale is to have a foundation continually renovating and caring for the upkeep. Many hours must go in lovingly to care and preserve this lovely southwestern treasure. I also took a tour several years ago here so hopefully you can visit and tour also. So peaceful here with quail and bunnies running thru as well. The grounds are enjoyed by all.

A bit of a bummer for me on a stunning day because: --audio only tour. It felt weird to be plugged into my phone and I missed the interaction between a small group and an expert guide. --many of the spaces were closed off: no bedroom(s), bathroom(s), or kitchen. --the secret garden was also closed off --no more coffee or cold drinks for sale (sitting in the sun, talking and enjoying the views after self-guided tour would have been delightful) --the gardens beyond the house were closed off Here are the positives: I was surprised that we could sit on the furniture--that was a nice surprise. The gift shop was pleasant and offered several interesting items for sale. Two staff members were informative about the four petroglyph-covered boulders on the tour. I am unclear if the foundation has permission from the indigenous peoples to display the petroglyphs, however. The same question remains for the Japanese art throughout the house and exterior walls. Apparently, the tour will expand in January 2025 to include more of the house and grounds. Still, for now, at $44 per person, it's very limited, and you will likely be done within an hour. That's a pity.

I'm a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs and it was such a nice surprise to discover that his desert hide away, Taliesin West, was located not far from where we were staying in Phoenix. This compound is picturesque and located in a beautiful location. This is a treat for mid-century modern and architecture fans. The tickets are not cheap but it's worth doing the self guided tour. Make an early reservation before it gets too hot and while the light is nice for pictures. The parking lot isn't too far from the main grounds and the living quarters so if you're with older people who might not want to walk as much it's really not that far. The staff is attentive and can answer any questions you might have. Make sure to ask for discounts on admission like being a local resident or AAA.

Wonderful! Self guided audio tour and great gift store! Awesome experience & very interesting.

Such an interesting self guided tour. The grounds are beautiful and the narration is very educational. There are guides along the way that can answer questions and fill in the blanks. Great stop!!

Went to the FLW Discovery Day at Taliesin. An hour self guided tour with a docent in each area to chat with. $5.00 for adults (Discovery Day is twice a year) and so well worth it! We asked inside/outside,and the museum shop is one of the best around. Again we'll worth the $5, however, I wouldn't go during regular days because the cost is ridiculous.

I always enjoy seeing some of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture and Taliesin West was definitely cool to see. But at $40 for a 50 minute audio tour, it seems a bit expensive. In fact we were told not to bother going because it's overpriced. We went anyways, and I'm happy we did, but I agree it's over priced compared to the many other museums in the area where you can explore for hours for much less. When we finished the audio tour, which was very informative, we were like "that's it?" I'm sure they have their reasons for having half the property and the grounds closed to the public, but it would have been cool to see more of the architecture and perhaps the personal living areas. The tour only really covered the communal areas where Frank's apprentices worked. A gorgeous building, but only go if you are willing to shell out $40 for 50 minutes of looking at architecture. The audio tour does use your cell phone, so make sure it's adequately charged before arrival!

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous architects in the world, and in history. He built homes for other people. I'm from Chicago and in the neighborhood of Oak Park there is a street with Frank's homes that he designed, but didn't live in. The homes that he built and lived in are amazing, especially for the era they were built in. In today's standards they may not be huge houses or anything special, but when they were built they would have been huge houses with highly advanced technology. Today, you can tour his homes he has called Taliesin. The original is Taliesin in Wisconsin, which I have been to and toured. Now I got the chance to tour Taliesin West in Scottsdale AZ. Both are amazing to visit, but spread across the country. If you're a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, I highly recommend visiting both properties.

This was my second FLW house and it did not disappoint. Getting to the house is very easy but traffic is heavy. There is tons of parking upon arrival. I downloaded the app and content for the Audio Tour. I would recommend the same as the check in lines are long and the heat very hot. The audio tour is quoted for one hour duration but we spent about 80 minutes enjoying the beauty of the house and grounds. The gift shop is extensive and we both purchased items for future gifting and some items to keep for ourselves. A representative also took time to call me four days after my audio tour to thank me for visiting. This is 100 percent worth a visit if you are in Arizona.

Nice tour on a cool day in December. Went on both the guided Shelters in the Desert tour and the self guided House tour. The desert tour was very informative and well done. Liva was engaging and made sure we weren't rushed and got a chance to see as much as we wanted. The self guided house tour was great as you could follow your own pace. The staff was very helpful

An incredible and inspiring place ! Definitely must visit ! I wish I could give it a 4.5 Parking: There's a large parking lot with plenty of free parking available. Plus the drive up from the main road is stunning and inspiring as well. You can tell why this spot was chosen. Tour: You need to book your tickets online ahead of time. There is a guided audio tour, so make sure to bring your phone and headphones. There is a ticket booth so it may be possible to order tickets there, though it seemed every gets theirs online. Foe the audio tour you need to download the app. My data connection wasn't too good out here but you can use their free guest wifi to download it. There is 1 area you need to be part of a guided tour to see (not available for audio tours). Unfortunately guided tours were not available when we visited The tour: You are outside in the heat and sub for a LARGE portion of this tour ! Come prepared ! They do have some complimentary sun umbrellas for your use but a lot of them are damaged. The audio tour was helpful and informative, but seemed a bit limited in information. It did have a few tidbits of architectural things which was very appreciated. The space: Obviously it is absolutely amazing and inspiring! Just being here and experiencing it was amazing ! I personally could have just followed the path without the audio tour and been just as inspired/satisfied with the experience Shop: There is quite an extensive gift shop on site. That being said, there's quite a lot of items available to order online as well. If you do shop in store, they do have free shipping if you purchase over a certain price point. Other things to note: There is a water fountain right at the edge of the drafting room There is no cafe on site

How to say? I have started to lose interest in prima donnas. However, I will never deny FLW is one of the greatest and most influential architects of all time and I really like his work. What we found out though, is we like his exteriors and his ornamental work better than his furniture. His idea of camping out here was cool (way to make use of free labor in the form of apprentices) but must have been hella annoying to his wife, who eventually insisted on windows (her room was actually my favorite). Nowadays, with new regulations and new consciousness, it's hard to abide the indigenous treasures brought from the surrounding hills into his home, as well as the multiple Asian pieces likely acquired in a time when that happened much more freely (not all the fault of the westerner; everyone was happy to make a buck). Okay so that's the socio-political context but I know that this is also a tour, a great way to get outside, to enjoy the environment, to see the terrain and the house itself, to mingle with other visitors. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and hard working if perhaps a bit on the strict side (he scolded us for pausing behind the group to take photos). I get that we're amongst highly prized items and that there are other groups behind us, but yo, calm down, we were enjoying the tour and not out of bounds or hurting anything or anyone. (I realize they also have time requirements and need to move along). It took us about two seconds to rejoin the group which was fully in sight. Anyway, glad to have gotten the chance to visit not just a national but an international landmark. A must see for any architecture or art student.

So glad I got to tour Taliesin West and learn about the history of the location. And its evolution! I'm grateful that my friends warned me that it would be an audio tour, not docent led. While a docent tour allows you to connect with other tourists and the docent, the audio tour let me go at my own pace and take my time. It was ideal for a solo tourist!

I'm not a Frank Lloyd Wright nut, but I want to know more about him after seeing this monument to his creativity. One cannot simply walk up and take a tour. I highly recommend reservations so as not to disappoint. The audio-guided tour takes about an hour, and it's very, very good. Indeed, I heard one visitor say that it was better than the personally guided small-group tours. I cannot say for myself, but the audio tour was informative and thought-provoking. It boggled my mind that Mr. Wright could pull these breathtaking designs out of his head. You'll learn how much time, money, and sweat went into making Taliesin West a reality. It perfectly combines location, form, and function with striking panoramas, blending God-made and man-made creations seamlessly. Docents are at every station, and they happily answer any questions.

I was planning on doing this tour for over a year and really glad now I did it. It was a great experience. My Dad was an Architect and we had alot of Architecture books in the house; including of course FLW books. I was very impressed with the Giftshop and the professional, knowledgeable staff: Ms. Jackson and Mayda. This Giftshop has amazing custom designed FLW themed shirts, hats, coffee mugs, hard to find specialty books and even an FLW chess set! Very cool. The Taliesin West house is very impressive considering it was built in the 1930s and way ahead of its time. I preferred the self guided audio tour so I could go at my own pace and I redid a few stops on the tour not having to worry about following a guide. I liked the explanations such as the pool being triangular to reflect and symbolize the desert mountainscape behind the TW complex. There are several intriguing rooms. I liked the Garden Room and theatre rooms the most. There is also an adorable sculpture garden. The staff was excellent but a few of them didn't know the answers to simple questions such as what year TW was turned into a museum and when the furniture was made. All staff should know the basics at this prestigious landmark. Another issue is I hiked in on foot and found out later that is not allowed. The Manager said there's rattlesnakes on the surrounding preserve(not the museum area)so don't walk take an Uber. I bump up to five stars partially because the Manager did give me a ride out on the golf cart to FLW street but don't ask or expect for that and don't walk in like I did. My issue is this should be on their website and all their media which apparently it is not. I paid $39 for the Tour including audio pod guide which is probably the most I ever paid for a museum type tour but I consider it worth it since this is a rare, hard to find type of landmark and subject matter. I also rank this attraction 5 stars for being so unique and celebrating a great architect which is rare, as our pop culture focuses too much on movie and rock stars; not so much on these important, historical, cultural icons. Highly recommended.

Impressive, impressive, impressive. Since moving to Phoenix some years back, this has been one of the area's historic landmarks we'd been wanting to visit. We're sorry we waited so long. It is a treasure of natural, architectural and philosophical inspiration of the man behind it, Frank Lloyd Wright. Taliesin West is a monument to the genius who's been named 'the greatest architect of all time'. The essence of his work, the subtle yet overwhelming simplicity of his style both inside and outside. This is one Arizona Landmark that should be visited at least once. It is amazing how the structure blends with functionality and individuality, expansive openness, use of direct, indirect and existing light with features that albeit modernistic, incorporates nature to man! Amazingly, Taliesin West gives one the impression of relaxation and meditation in its post art deco, post futuristic architectural style. Most of all I think this place will leave one with a sense of serenity heretofore not exuded by most of any structural design. Well worth the visit!

Incredible camp to learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural influence and vision. Highly recommend a visit when in the Phoenix metro area. Tour thru living, working and play areas. Appreciated the incorporation of nature and art.

I'd been to one other Frank Lloyd Wright home before, so when I was researching Phoenix/Scottsdale, I knew I wanted to visit here. I went with two friends and we did the self-guided audio tour. For this, you download an app to your cell phone and bring your own headphones (this is communicated on the website before you purchase tickets). It takes you throughout the office, house, exterior of the house, and the studio. The design elements inside the house were pretty consistent with the other FLW home I went to in PA, so that was interesting to see similar furniture inside the two homes. The outside of Taliesin West was very different than the other FLW home I went to though. The tour talked about how Frank used design elements that mimicked the nature around the home. Since there are mountains nearby, he used a lot of triangles. Details to that extent are not something I likely would have noticed on my own, so it was nice to have the audio tour. I will say, the audio was kind of slow-paced and my ADHD kicked in a bit. From my opinion, I'd spend the $5 and do the in-person guided tour so you can ask questions! The views of the mountains from the property were stunning and we did the tour in December from 4-5 PM so it was right during golden hour before the sunset. Watching the sun starting to set as we were about to leave was really the cherry on top, so if you can manage to do the last tour of the day (at least in the winter), I highly recommend that! The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is because it just wasn't as beautiful as Fallingwater. Maybe having that be my first FLW made my standards too high for any of his other work but seeing as this was his winter home and studio, I expected it to blow me away. It was still beautiful and I would absolutely still recommend it, but maybe just go into the tour with more realistic expectations.

EXTRAORDINARLY! Advance purchase of desired tour is a must. Plenty of dates and times to choose from. It was very easy to book online. Arriving to the property was a breeze. The check-in was seamless. We were provided with the an audio tour. Stunning stone architecture with plentiful windows that let in the natural light. The primary colors stand out from the earth tone walls. It was delightful meandering from room to room. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

On our first trip through the Phoenix area we didn't visit Taliesin but on our way back out west we had time to kill so we took the $39 plunge and booked a tour! Oh my gosh, I'm so glad we did!! What an amazing, stunningly gorgeous work of art Frank Lloyd Wright created. It was a studio, home and camp all in one and is a true example of his brilliance! We did the self guided tour and were able to wander at leisure which is our style. Each and every space was created with nature and with intention. From the entryways to the roofline, there is meaning in everything. Learning so much about something we knew nothing about or that it even existed was the best part! It's peaceful, historical and magical all at the same time. Super friendly folks around to answer all your questions and an amazing gift shop with very unique artwork, books and souvenirs.

I love art and have been to the House on the Rock in Spring Green WI so I was excited to book a tour at Taliesin West. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the guided tour. Frank, no not Mr Wright, lead a group of about 15-20 guests through the grounds and structures of the area. It's stunning. The compression and release design was an aesthetic felt over and over throughout the tour. We learned so much from our guide. The ability to be able to ask questions along the way also was a great way to learn. I didn't take a lot of photos because I wanted to focus on the art and design and be in the moment. However, I did snap a few from the prow. This was one of my favorite areas.

Love this place, somehow i always feel at peace touring this wonderful creation of Frank Lloyd Wright. The arts and crafts movement certainly found its place here. I could write a long missive but others found words better than mine. I would have loved to work with him and in this space. My muse woke, always a great thing! Visit, the price is not too bad but they have no military nor elder discount. Different tours to suit your curiosity.

This place is extremely overrated. Really boring out-of-date audio device (that doesn't track your location like the state of the art ones at the musical instrument museum) to go to stations and listen to a boring rendition of the the artist and his vision for the house. The thing is, I'm actually very interested in architecture and feng shui etc and I had heard from others how great this place was, but it was far from one of the most exciting architectural feats I've been to and experienced. They didn't even have the special behind the scenes tour available, which speaks to poor management issues. Boring narration and the house itself is very old fashioned for today's standards. I think the people that like this kind of place are just very easily impressed and live a boring life, but who am I to judge?

So glad I was able to make a trip over to Taliesin West. This is my third Frank Lloyd Wright property this year and it did not disappoint. Insanely amazing what the apprentices were able to create here with basically just stoke and cement. Bruce was our tour guide and he was extremely knowledgeable. I also loved the photography exhibit of other Frank Lloyd Wright properties that were in residence while we were there. They do have a water fountain where you can fill up your water bottle and a cheaper $5 water bottle to purchase and fill. They also had umbrellas for us to use to block out the sun which was much appreciated! Purchase tickets ahead of time. Be prepared to walk and be hot, it is the desert after all. Then just enjoy the beauty and neat facts!

Incredible architecture, design and space excellence. The audio tour was ok, a bit slow. I wish I had the option to speed up the narrators voice.

Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) spent his Winters here, we went in the HEAT of Summer At 100' I steeled myself for a horrible day but it was a destination my husband really wanted to go to. Growing up in the Chicago area I have been in many FLW buildings, both public and private. As I kid, I went on a variety of FLW tours. I was always stunned and outraged for Mrs Wright that she only was allowed a couple pegs for her clothes in her home. His aesthetic did not allow for more. Inconceivable. I did not think I would learn anything new at Taliesin, I was wrong. The setting, the audio tour insights, the kindness of the staff, and the entire composition of the experience was delightful. Plenty of parking, in the sun. The covered spots are reserved for staff. Just accept your car will be roasting when you return to it. Bring water, lots. The only water refill station I saw on the property is an old style school water fountain. It did not tempt me. There appeared to be no shade on the audio guided tour. Turns out there is plenty of shade and the audio tells you where and when with suggestions. Before the tour even starts, a staff member in the gift shop helped me with the audio. Simply download the app to your phone and listen to the self paced audio. Confirmation email had all the necessary links to do it in advance. V straightforward. Staff was driven to make sure each individual was comfortable with the experience and able to access the technology easily. I appreciated that v much. They pointed out the basket of red umbrellas. We had wide brimmed hats. Turns out in the summer sun, the red umbrella was a critical sun blocking accessory. Between the shade, red umbrellas, air conditioned interiors, and self-paced tour, everything worked out and the day exceeded my expectations. The tour was well worth the time, $, and heat. The audio does a lovely job of guiding everyone through the experience and emphasizing the key principles of architecture that were so important to FLW. Nothing like experiencing the examples live, in person. Staff in different key areas were plentiful and eager to field any questions. Definitely go, there is always something to learn, esp when the tools supplied (audio, staff, and umbrella) were so helpful. To actually have the opportunity to sit/stand/learn in this environment was amazing. People touring were from a variety of countries, multiple languages were spoken, visitors spanned the ages of teens to seniors, everyone seemed to enjoy it.

I don't usually write negative reviews, but while the house and grounds were spectacular, the staff rushed us through the tour to the point that the experience was not enjoyable. We had booked the last tour of the day and arrived promptly on time for our tour slot, but they did not even let us complete the first outdoor section of the tour before rushing us into the house. After that, we did not feel like we could enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace in the same way that other visitors were encouraged to by the audio guide. Also, when we reached out to give constructive feedback, they did not respond for several days, and when they finally did, they were dismissive and condescending. I love Frank Lloyd Wright's work, and made a special trip to see Taliesin West in particular, but I have to be honest that I don't think I would pay such a high price ($44 each!) to see another of his houses, especially after how we were treated. To any future visitors, I would highly recommend spending your time and money elsewhere.

My mom bought tickets online for an evening tour. She wasn't aware it was self guided but the guided tours (with a live person) are only in the middle of the day. With it starting to get hot here, we opted to continue our sunset option. They did offer a full refund when we realized our error but assured us this would be easy & fun. When you arrive, you have the option of scanning a QR code or downloading an app in order to hear the tour. They also offer you earbuds for your smartphone if necessary. The staff were all very helpful and happy to answer any questions. IMO, it was not easy to follow along and although very informative - we felt it was almost too much info and far too long. But overall it was worth seeing, if you're willing to spend the $50 entrance fee. Beautiful architecture, landscape and glass art. Right now they're showcasing Dale Chihuly pieces (from my hometown of Seattle) which was fun to see. The gift shop had everything you might want to purchase and very old school bathrooms which were neat. Frank's life was an interesting one. The man may have been a "genius" when it came to art but his personal life was marred with so many questionable choices. I just read "Loving Frank" which was quite an eye opener.

My husband and I came to Taliesin West while visiting family in Phoenix on one weekend in April. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house has been well maintained, and tickets are easy to come by on their website. The weather in Phoenix was already very hot in April and as part of this tour is outdoors, it feels like it would be impossible to do during the summer months. The interior has air conditioning in some parts but not all. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we had a great tour. I would recommend doing the tour, as you cannot see the inside of the house on your own.

A group of friends decided the Chihuly exhibit here might be a fun get together. Rebecca was our guide and we had a wonderful ~90 mins with her describing the history of not only Taliesin, but also the Chihuly exhibits and how they fit into the natural landscape of the property. It was VERY busy on a Friday, so highly recommend reservations. It was suggested to come early evening as well as the exhibits are lit. Beautiful scenery and you'll learn something new each visit!

BEAUTIFUL.... WELL worth a visit if you're in the area. We were unable to join any of the guided tours offered the day we went, but the self-guided tour was actually a better option (IMO) if you want to go at your own pace and get more (uninterrupted) detail. I live in Springfield, OH, home of Wright's Wescott House, and it's amazing to see the similarities, as well as the HUGE differences, of these two gems. Both the design and backstory of this place are so interesting and unique, I just wanted to learn more and more. Blending perfectly into its desert surroundings, yet boldly making its presence known, each nook and cranny on our tour was so interesting, I just wanted to learn/see more and more!! My only "ding" might be that there's more to the exterior/grounds portion of the tour than inside the various workshops/meeting rooms. If you're only going to be in the area for a short time, as I was, be sure to make reservations early, either for the guided or the self-guided tours. Don't miss the gift shop either, they have some amazing stuff!!

Great tour! You will learn a lot about Frank Lloyd Wright and why he built his home this way. A lot of unique architecture and characteristics of the home. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Plenty of opportunities to sit down while on the tour. Don't come on a hot day if you are heat sensitive though.

Frank Lloyd Wright's vision, architectural genius, artistic talent and footprint on this planet are so profound that one must experience it, see it and feel it to drink in the simplicity and beauty of his works. Taliesin West is such a place. Today, I returned to this architectural Mecca. I was even more inspired then when I first experienced this magical place over 50 years ago. The Wright concept is to create structures that blend in with the surrounding area. Taliesin means "shining brow" and that is how one could describe the setting of this home, drafting studio and home of the Taliesin School of Architecture. The building of Taliesin West began in 1937. All walls were assembled using cement, natural rock and materials from the surrounding areas. While the walls are thick and massive, delicate spaces of light flood the rooms. In the May 2018 edition of Architectural Digest, writer Stefanie Waldek wrote of the 524 windows in this 21,000 square foot home. And if the sensory experience of Wright's genius is not enough, through June 19, 2022 you can experience the bonus installation of Dale Chihuly's blown glass sculptures. They are truly magnificent. Taliesin West is a home and architectural testament built to endure and inspire generations to come.

Did the audio tour and what a great experience. You will need to bring your smart phone and headphones. Make sure your phone has ample battery power, the audio app drains a lot of energy on the tour. It is one hour, self guided. You learn so much about Frank Lloyd Wright! Check in area has bathrooms, help desk, and gift shop. Ample free parking when we went. Once you arrive, you check in and start your tour.

I grew up in a town where there are several Frank Lloyd Wright houses and my dad is a fan of his work, so I was already familiar with some of the basic tenets of the design and architecture. But I'd never seen Taliesin West and it was a beautiful day, so off we went! We did the audio tour. They recommend bringing your headphones and downloading the app in advance. I appreciated that because I was more comfortable with my AirPods than borrowing something (though it did look like they had a limited number of headphones available on site). I found the audio tour easy to follow, as the stops were well labeled and instructions were clear. The pace of the tour was nice, giving ample time to explore within the different interior spaces or take in the views outdoors. Learning how Taliesin West was used as a winter retreat and camp was interesting, and seeing the meeting rooms and studio brought the stories to life. The audio tour took a little more than an hour (to be fair, I paused the tour at one point because I was looking at art in a room) and ends in the cabaret, a fun community space used for live music and performances. The gift shop was nice and I was tempted by some Frank Lloyd Wright stationery or a puzzle. We encountered a very helpful staff member or volunteer who also suggested visiting the Biltmore or things to look for on an upcoming visit to Gammage on ASU's campus. I don't know that I would come back specifically for the audio tour but the staff member or volunteer also recommended their night tour or the Sunset and Sips program.

If you're even a tiny bit interested in architectural design or Frank Lloyd Wright, you owe it to yourself to visit this place. A family member and I paid extra for the guided tour option. Be forewarned that there's a lot of walking, and some of the flagstones are uneven (unsuitable for wheelchairs, or folks who are unsteady on their feet).

What a neat spot to visit. Taliesin West is set on a few hundred acres of desert preserve, so you feel like you have stepped back in time to when the Phoenix/Scottsdale area was not so developed. However, Frank Lloyd Wright's distinctive architecture has such a unique look like it is hard to place a time period. Our tour guide admitted that he was newer to the job, but he did great. The tour was a fascinating 90 minutes, and no one ever looked bored. We had a relatively small group, which was nice to better enjoy the different rooms and outdoor areas. Be prepared to duck. For whatever reason, Frank Lloyd Wright liked to have some low ceilings! Definitely a memorable place to visit when you are in Arizona. The current Chihuly exhibit on the grounds, which runs through Spring 2022, was great as well.

This an absolute must if you love history, architected and Arizona beauty. We came with a special Girl Scout Activity/Event so our tour was abbreviated since they really wanted the girls to learn about architecture (making 2D and 3D plans and models). But the place was beautiful and rich with history. The event was absolutely worth it as both my girls had an amazing time and left very interested in architecture. (bonus!) The 2 ladies leading the event to earn the Talesin West Fun Patch (Girl Scout specific) were amazing and absolutely great with the girls. You could tell they love the place, teaching and interacting with kids. I would highly recommend any kid workshop they offer and a visit to view/tour the place. I would totally come back for future events. Thank you for making my girls so excited about history and architecture!

I've lived in the valley of the sun since '97 and loved FLW always...not sure what took me so long to visit his home at Taliesin West. Definitely recommend splurging for the guided tour!! Glen was our amazing tour guide full of enthusiasm, history, and inside stories about FLW and the power lines...LOL!