Thorncrown Chapel

The Thorncrown Chapel is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, United States. It was designed by architect E. Fay Jones and constructed in 1980.

The chapel was the brainchild of Jim Reed, a retired schoolteacher who originally bought the land on which it stands to build his retirement home. But the area's natural setting was so attractive that many visitors set foot on the property. So, Reed consulted with Jones to construct a building where his guests could feel welcome—and close to God.

The chapel is built mostly out of materials indigenous to northwestern Arkansas, where Eureka Springs is located. As a result, transportation of the materials was relatively easy and costs were minimized. The design closely resembles the Prairie School architecture popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, of whom Jones was once an apprentice.

The building was selected for the 2006 "Twenty-Five Year Award" by the American Institute of Architects, recognizing structures that have had significant influence on the profession. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Although being listed on the Register is a significant step for any building, it is an extraordinary milestone for the Thorncrown Chapel: buildings less than fifty years old cannot be listed on the Register unless they are of "exceptional" significance.

The chapel is a popular attraction that remains open to visitors throughout the year and may be reserved for private ceremonies such as weddings.

Further reading

  • Charles K. Gandee. (March 1981) "A Wayfarer's Chapel By Fay Jones", Architectural Record. Vol 169 Number 3. pp. 86-91
  • Paul Heyer. (1993) American Architecture: Ideas and Ideologies in the Late Twentieth Century. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, pp. 102-103. ISBN 0-442-01328-0

External links

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Emmett Reeves
19 October 2019
Second visit to this magnificent structure! This trip on a cooler rainy day made for a much more serene peaceful stay! Just took a period to sit and reflect, a moment free from everyday hustle bustle.
Abby Murray
2 November 2016
Absolutely stunning chapel. Very, very beautiful.
Beth T.
27 May 2012
Shhhhhhh! Sit down! Pictures can only be taken from a seated position.
Jason Heiser
29 June 2017
Sit down for photos
James Cannon
25 August 2011
Go to the front benches for a great view
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Map
12968 US-62, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA Get directions
Fri 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Sun 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Mon 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tue-Wed 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

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