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Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park

Sculpture Garden, History Museum, and Historic and Protected Site

Watts, Los Angeles

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7.8^/10

167

ratings

Ranked #5 for sculpture gardens in Los Angeles
"Italian immigrant Sabato Rodia over 33 years"(4 Tips)
"check out the Watts House Project across the street."(2 Tips)
"why is this a national.historical"(2 Tips)
"Go on the tour and watch the documentary in the art gallery."(7 Tips)

48 Tips and reviews

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Adrian PhillipsApril 1, 2016
A Los Angeles icon. Grab a bite at Locol around the corner and come take the tour. Take the Blue Line to Long Beach if you're looking to take public transit. It's only a short walk from the station.
CurbedMarch 19, 2014
Simon Rodia built the 3 Watts Towers by hand over 3 decades, from the 1920s-1950s. They're made up of steel rods wrapped in wire mesh and coated in cement. Read more
SEGAMay 29, 2012
One of my favorite places in Los Angeles. Built by hand (no power tools) with found objects, these towers are an amazing testament to art and perseverance. - Kellie, Community Manager
PureWowJuly 27, 2017
An Italian immigrant construction worker spent 33 years of nights and weekends to build a mini city of 99-foot-high towers out of rebar concrete and 7 Up bottles. Outsider art was never the same. Read more
Norma RosenFebruary 18, 2014
The GARDEN STUDIO with public artworks, a turtle pond, California Native Herbal Sankofa Labyrinth, and Italian Herbs is not to be missed. The Artists-in-Residence are currently creating mosaic art.
WEI WEIJuly 6, 2015
It's a small place... Not a typical "art center" that you can spend hours. Check the tour schedule because you can only get close to the towers by a guided tour
PacificStandardTimeOctober 6, 2011
1960s–70s—Watts Towers Art Center was an important gathering place for artists who were not represented by the city's art galleries, especially when the center was run by artist Noah Purifoy in 1964. Read more
Pacific Standard TimeFebruary 3, 2012
Civic Virtue: The Impact of the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and the Watts Towers Arts Center explores the role of civic government in the development of the arts in LA. Open through 2.12.12.
Juan TorresJuly 25, 2015
While this is an LA landmark, I would not put it in the things you must see while you are in town.
Green is UniversalNovember 11, 2011
The Watts House Project is a place for Tower residents to connect with artists and other volunteers to revitalize the neighborhood and re-imagine the environment through community involvement.
Norma RosenFebruary 18, 2014
Also visit the GALLERIES in the Watts Towers Arts Center and the Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center. Take a Tour of the Towers see the William Hale film on the creation of the Watts Towers.
RayNovember 6, 2017
Beautiful piece of LA history.
Buford BarnesJune 22, 2012
"Naïve art" towers decorated with found shards built by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia between 1921-54 BY HAND. Take the Metro Blue Line to 104th to see it and DO NOT WANDER! Watts is still the ghetto.
D NiceJune 18, 2015
So much history here. The art house is pretty stunning. I gotta know more about artist Toni Scott now
Derek JonesSeptember 6, 2014
Do not travel away from the park area or visit at all at night. The location is not in a safe neighborhood.
The StandardNovember 23, 2010
LA (See) Definitely worth the short drive into South Central LA. These folk art sculptures are iconic Los Angeles at its best.
Derek JonesSeptember 6, 2014
Photos make the towers look larger, but still an amazing feat nevertheless.
HISTORYMarch 31, 2010
This collection of 17 interconnected structures were built by Italian immigrant Sabato Rodia over 33 years from 1921 to 1954. They were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
The New Short Fiction SeriesJanuary 14, 2012
1/28/2012 The New Short Fiction Series, LA's longest running spoken word series, presents From The Ashes Revisited, in celebration of Pacific Standard Time: Art & Culture in LA 1975-80 Read more
ExperienceLAOctober 25, 2011
"Civic Virtue: The Impact of the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and the Watts Towers Art Center" chronicles the evolution of the space into a community arts center. Read more
RENSeptember 14, 2019
Nice artwork in a sketchy neighborhood... be vigilant
Angelica SalazarMarch 13, 2012
Sooo worth the short drive!!! Very interesting & beautiful!
Stacey~MarieNovember 1, 2014
The Towers face East towards Italy! Simon Rodia was Italian, you know!!!
Ashy McGeeMay 30, 2011
If you fear 'The Hood', come early in the morning. It's typically quiet, no one bothers you and the view is breathtaking.
Cat GatitoSeptember 28, 2016
Been here 5+ times
The gallery has new art every 6 months!
Christopher Nance-UlrichJune 2, 2014
Go on the tour and watch the documentary in the art gallery.
Rj AveryJune 26, 2013
Great place to take young one to see some great history stories
char zvolanekFebruary 16, 2014
Take the tour to get inside the gates. $7 adult entry.
William GaffgaSeptember 29, 2013
Amazingly beautiful work.
UCLA Volunteer CenterSeptember 25, 2012
UCLA Volunteer Day 2012: one hundred UCLA students will be here on September 25 to prepare a community garden!
Elias ZunigaMay 12, 2014
Guided tour Wed-Sun only.
Vernon Ray Robinson JrMay 7, 2015
The Watts Towers
Neisha JonesApril 3, 2017
It has a story to it..
BrianMay 5, 2011
Been here 100+ times
Total dump. Don't be fooled. Only the naive and artsy-fartsy folks with white guilt would consider this a treasure.
Ryan NoslerAugust 11, 2013
Made famous by Homer Simpson.
Los AngelesAugust 1, 2013
Watts Towers represent 33 yrs of work by an Italian immigrant who made the project his life. Similar to the style of Catalan architect Gaudí, 17 structures represent the American Native art movement.
Palladium BootsApril 1, 2011
This is one of Odette Annable's favorite spots.
Alberto J S Moreau DAugust 11, 2015
I was expecting more... Not so safe area
Jacki MorieFebruary 5, 2010
A treasure in Los Angeles. everyone should see it!
Brett PadelfordJuly 20, 2013
Like nothing else.
carolyn castanoApril 27, 2011
check out the Watts House Project across the street.
TammieJanuary 21, 2023
How much does it cost
Brenda NoriegaSeptember 1, 2011
Don't get out of the car at night!
Shawn AllenSeptember 19, 2011
why is this a national.historical monument?
William PetersenDecember 11, 2011
Almost a hundred feet tall.
Marvin AndujarJuly 6, 2013
Although the towers is a bit interesting. There is no point in driving to a very dangerous place to see them. Don't waste your time and don't risk your life.
Zak LarsonMay 26, 2010
Great neighborhood, bring the kids! Awesome for a night time stroll around the area.
Adrián GausinOctober 11, 2017
...........

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