The 54-year-old Watts Towers Arts Center. Creator Rodia was an Italian immigrant who arrived in the United States around 1894 and came to Watts in 1921 at the age of 42. He spent 33 years obsessively creating the Watts Towers of Simon Rodia, which consists of seventeen major sculptures made of steel covered with mortar and embellished with mosaic tiles, glass, clay, shells, and rock. Rodia created the Towers without any welded inner armature, instead wiring rebars together and then wrapping this joint with wire mesh and hand-packing it with mortar and his mosaic surface. In 1959, the International Conference of Museum Curators declared the Watts Towers as "a unique combination of sculpture and architecture and the paramount work of folk art of the 20th century in the United States." The Towers are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are a National Historic Landmark, a State of California Historic Monument, a State of California Historic Park, and, in March 1965, the Watts Towers were officially designated as Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument Number 15. The Towers were deeded to the City of Los Angeles Municipal Arts Department in 1975. Public guided tours of the Watts Towers are conducted Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. There are no tours on Monday through Wednesday, national holidays, or rainy days. The Watts Towers Arts Center, located in the heart of Watts, provides programs designed for cultural enrichment. The center offers classes for both teachers and students in painting, sculpture, photography, music, dance, gardening, tiling, and other multimedia arts. The classes are presented in a safe, non-competitive creative atmosphere under the guidance and direction of professional artists. Tours and lectures, as well as permanent and changing exhibitions by outstanding local and international artists are offered year-round. The center has relied on its 94-year history (1921-2015) and continues to cultivate its long practice of cultural leadership and arts education as it preserves and documents its proud heritage in Watts, California.

Amazing work of art! All recycled, The Watts Towers, Towers of Simon Rodia, or Nuestro Pueblo are a collection of 17 interconnected sculptural towers, architectural structures, and individual sculptural features and mosaics within the site of the artist's original residential property in Watts, Los Angeles.

So amazing that this exists. It is certainly a fabulous tribute to recycling. There is also an art center for children nearby which i bet is fabulous

Awesome structures. Very little, if anything, like them, anywhere in the world. You can't appreciate the detail of the work or the sheer size unless you see them in person. I've never seen it "open" in the two times I've been there, and I've been the only person there both times and you can see it pretty well without a tour. Given how rough the surrounding neighborhood looks, I was okay with nobody else being around. It's not in a neighborhood a tourist would typically visit, but I've never had any problems. I get hassled by criminals way more at gas stations around LAX.

I have been visiting this exhibit for the past four years. It’s frustrating how long it’s taking them to restore it but I still live it. I love the sort of niche spot that it is, the history behind the installation, and the story, however, I honestly won’t be coming back again until 2030 because it’s frustrating to hope the restoration is done each year and just see fences every time.

Technically closed for updates, but you can still go and see the sculptures, which are funky and cool! Amazing that one guy did all that.

It's always a nice cultural and historical experience to share with children and adults. However, at this time the Towers are closed for renovation for a year, the museum is closed for the next 6 month's. The garden is open, but it would be much better if more flora is added. They have some baby tortoises in a little pond an a adult tortoise roaming about. We only seen one adult. I suggest any one interested in going who plan on taking a tour check with facility management for more information on completion and reopening of the Towers and Museum. We always enjoy hanging out there and having a picnic lunch. Nice place to visit.

The Watts Towers are one of my favorite LA landmarks. The arts center will reopen next weekend with a drum festival on Saturday, 9/24/22, and a jazz festival on Sunday, 9/25/22. So cool! Come check out the towers anytime and be inspired to make art in your own neighborhood!

Steel girders, concrete, sea shells, glass fragments stretched just shy of half an inch of a hundred feet skyward, this moment to humankind’s ingenuity and autodidactic resolve, pierces into the firmament over Watts, CA. Begun over a hundred years ago by a lone - and some would say eccentric - immigrant, the construction of the towers took place over four decades of hard work, dedication, and creative imagination. However, not until the late nineteen fifties did the towers gain the worldwide reconnection that eventually led to their current status as a National Historic Landmark

Not typically the area of LA im frequenting, but this is a cool little spot right off the freeway, and has a good story outlined in the park.

Under restoration but the amazing story of the tower is still available. Its amazing what one person can do alone.

I was fortunate enough to get a private tour of the watts towers. In the calmness of a early winter morning, I really got a sense and appreciation for the energy, the time, passion and the drive of a man who was possessed by vision. Hopefully I get possessed by such a powerful vision too.

Absolutely Amazing. The historical information on the ground dates back to 1400 bc.

🌟𝕎𝔸𝕋𝕋𝕊 𝕋𝕆𝕎𝔼ℝ𝕊 🌟 •••𝙻𝚘𝚜 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜,𝙲𝙰••• 》America's most famous piece of self-built architecture. Acollection of 17 interconnected structures, two of which reach heights of over 99 feet. The Towers were built by Italian immigrant construction worker Sabato (“Sam” or “Simon”) Rodia in his spare time over a period of 33 years, from 1921 to 1954. Interesting towers but it was STILL CLOSED due to renovations. It is only open for special occasions

It's a nice place to go; there is a lot of good history.

Rodia spent a good part of his life to combine metal, cement and thousands and thousands of shards to create this weird island of art in ship shape in South LA. Rodia built this "ship" complete with 17 masts, a church and a baptismal full body bath to channel his dream of going back to Italy (when he could have put his pay check towards a ticket instead of cement and rebarb. But art is hardly ever practical, I guess.) Sadly he got so tired of fighting with city officials over permits for this project that he walked away after 33 years and never came back. He never saw Italy again either, so on a personal level this is hardly a story with a happy end. The residence itself got destroyed by a fire cracker. (! I guess some laws are passed for good reasons. Illegal fireworks do potentially spark senseless destruction) The Pan African Peoples Arkestra who performed at the jazz festival to celebrate the 101th birthday of Nuestro Pueblo aka the Watts Towers were very powerful.

Great low cost attraction... Very unique.

I can't wait until the construction is complete.

Renovations in progress till 2028. Exploring from the outside only

Worth it! This stop is a refreshing option for a tourist spot in LA. I love the artistic expression and the story of how they were created. You don’t need more than an hour or so to check it out. Some people might avoid it b/c it is in Watts, but don’t let that discourage you. I think that adds to the value of seeing it.

As an artist and art teacher, I have always taught my students in Tucson about the Watts Towers- I can't wait to see them in person! Mosaic is truly the work of the soul, and this creation is such an expression of heart. I know it's going to be amazing in person.

We just missed the first scaffolding-free period since restorations began, so we couldn't go inside, but there will be others...

Lovely place. It is being restored so you can't walk in.

My home town Watts, in the city of Los Angeles, California. When l was a little girl l watched this man pick trash of the streets an build these towers. From trash to treasures. Great memories. A must see "THE WATTS TOWERS ".

Watts Towers is run by very friendly, generous, well-intentioned people, committed to civic engagement and cultural preservation. I highly recommend visiting to see the sculptures and the garden (including an awesome old tortoise). This is also a great resource to learn about the incredible artistic history of South Central LA and the challenges that this community still faces.

It is most historical place on the Earth 🌎 . Visit it with your friends at least one time in your life . Maybe you feel better moment in your life. Follow me to discover more.

I was fortunate enough to be able to come here this weekend. It's free to come! I would recommend making a reservation. There is a way to get in without a reservation, but you are probably going to have to wait awhile.

Can’t explain with words, these towers are beautiful, the story of the towers is very interesting, will definitely recommend a tour. definitely will be back again, if you feel uninspired this place will bring back your spirit.

Wish the towers were not under construction. How long is it gonna take to complete? Art over the fence was interesting to say the least.

The Watts Towers are under renovation, so I wasn't able to go inside the art center. I hope that next time I come back that it will be open.

I took my nephew here. The museum is awesome. We got to watch a short film about the towers. I recommend this place.

Unbelievable detail, time and patience were used in creating this life's work. The imagination of one man using discarded objects, of no intrinsic value, to create a legacy of beauty is to be admired. You must see this man's idea of beauty and labor of love. Standing amid this work of art is inspirational.

Such a beautiful landmark in Los Angeles. Watts is a cherished city and the towers represent how creative the City of Angeles is. Worth a drive to see these majestic detailed towers. A MUST SEE!!

A Masterpiece of Creativity - 5 Stars for Watts Towers! Rating: ★★★★★ Review: Visiting Watts Towers was an awe-inspiring experience that left me in complete admiration of this magnificent artistic creation. It is with great pleasure that I leave a glowing 5-star review for this iconic landmark. Watts Towers is a true masterpiece of creativity, a testament to the boundless imagination and talent of its creator, Simon Rodia. The towers’ intricate mosaic work and steel structures are a sight to behold, evoking a sense of wonder and fascination. The attention to detail in every inch of the towers is remarkable. The countless pieces of recycled glass, pottery, and shells that adorn the towers create a stunning and vibrant visual feast. It’s evident that Rodia poured his heart and soul into this labor of love, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to captivate visitors from all walks of life. Beyond its artistic brilliance, Watts Towers also holds immense historical significance. It stands as a symbol of resilience and unity for the Watts community, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of challenges. Exploring the site and learning about its history from the knowledgeable guides added depth to the experience. They shared fascinating insights into the visionary mind of Simon Rodia and the cultural importance of the Watts Towers. The tranquil atmosphere surrounding the towers made it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of art’s power to inspire and connect people. Moreover, the maintenance and preservation efforts put forth by the community and the city are commendable. It’s heartening to see this landmark preserved for generations to come, allowing future visitors to revel in the beauty and ingenuity of Watts Towers. In conclusion, Watts Towers is a must-visit destination that showcases the harmonious fusion of art, history, and community spirit. If you appreciate artistry and wish to witness a true marvel, Watts Towers should be at the top of your list. My sincere appreciation goes to the caretakers and all those involved in preserving this extraordinary treasure. Watts Towers has left an indelible impression on me, and I look forward to returning to this captivating landmark in the future. Bravo to Watts Towers for being a shining beacon of artistic brilliance and cultural heritage!

Beautiful to behold...even in its current state of being closed for upkeep. I’ll check back again in the future on this oddball American achievement!

Easy parking and safe area. Self guided tour was great. The main 2 towers were covered but you could still see the other 15 smaller towers.

It's a wonderful place great experience for children lessons piano lessons singing lessons guitar lessons for children under the age of 18 this is just wonderful you have to show proof of vaccination though

Iconic sculpture garden Nuestra Peublo - truly an amazing feat of engineering and architecture 💎

My dad lived in south central in the 1930s and 1940s and saw the man building the towers as a kid ! My dad is now gone at 87 however he always talked about it. He lived in south central before there were any black people. He met my mom at Fremont high they were married for 65 years I am the oldest of his four sons we had no sister's.

Lived seeing this place. Very surreal and beautiful. Can't wait for the unveiling of the upgrades.

Cool piece of art but getting here was really sketch. I viewed it from the car as I didn’t feel safe getting out. I am no stranger to big cities or urban areas but From what I saw from the car, it wasn’t worth the risk to get out and get a closer look.

Very interesting art exhibit. I highly recommend visiting it if you’re ever in the Watt’s area located in California.