The Watts Towers

The Watts Towers, an architectural marvel, were entirely the work of Sabato ("Simon") Rodia between 1879 and 1965. In the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Simon's original property, are 17 interconnected sculpture towers. The 103rd Street/Watts Skyscrapers station on the Metro A line of Los Angeles is only a half-mile away from the towers. This historical landmark and historical-cultural monument of Los Angeles was built over the course of 33 years by Italian immigrant and tile craftsman, Simon. All of the architectural work here is categorized as drawing inspiration from Italian-American nave art and Art Brut. The tallest tower measures 99.5 feet in height (outsider art). If towers and architecture excite you, this is the place to go in the direction of Los Angeles.

An neighboring community arts center is the Watts Towers Arts Center. The present building debuted in 1970. Prior to then, the Center ran its operations beneath a canopy close to the Towers. The non-profit Committee for Simon Rodia's Towers in Watts constructed the facility and hired the personnel. The institution conducts tours of the Watts Towers and regularly changes its exhibits of contemporary artwork. The Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center at the Center offers art workshops primarily to children and people with special needs from the neighborhood and neighboring communities. Media arts and piano lessons are offered through collaborations with Sony Pictures and Cal Arts. The final weekend in September is when the Day of the Drum and Jazz Festival takes place every year. There are live performances and craft stalls there.

Founded: 1886–1965

Location: 1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002, U.S.
Phone: +1 213-847-4646