Scottsdale Spire Frank Lloyd Wright
A 125-foot architectural marvel inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, glowing at night and adorned with a giant elf during holidays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Giant elf & magical glow
Scottsdale Spire Frank Lloyd Wright
Best Time
Giant elf & magical glow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 125-foot architectural marvel inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, glowing at night and adorned with a giant elf during holidays.
"Prepare to be Spired Away! The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire in Scottsdale is a Must-See Landmark!"
📸 Capture the Night Glow
Don't miss the Spire after dark! Internal LEDs create a stunning blue light show. :camerawithflash:
🎄 Holiday Elf Fun
Visit during the holidays to see the giant Elf on the Shelf atop the Spire. A unique Scottsdale tradition! :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire
Scottsdale Road & Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
A 125-foot architectural marvel inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's vision, blending steel, glass, and desert landscaping.
Holiday Elf Spectacle
Scottsdale Road & Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
During the holiday season, a giant 'Elf on the Shelf' adorns the Spire, creating a whimsical and popular photo opportunity.

Illuminated Evening Views
Scottsdale Road & Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Experience the Spire's magical transformation at night as internal LEDs cast a soft blue glow, visible for miles.

Sculpture Garden & Desert Flora
Grounds surrounding the Spire
Explore a serene garden featuring various desert plants and other artistic displays, offering a peaceful contrast to the Spire's grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Spire
Location & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Night Glow
Don't miss the Spire after dark! Internal LEDs create a stunning blue light show.
:camerawithflash:🎄 Holiday Elf Fun
Visit during the holidays to see the giant Elf on the Shelf atop the Spire. A unique Scottsdale tradition!
:gift:🚶♀️ Stroll the Gardens
Explore the surrounding sculpture garden and desert plants for a peaceful experience.
:seedling:🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Conveniently located in a shopping center with ample parking. Perfect for a quick stop.
:car:Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Night Glow
Don't miss the Spire after dark! Internal LEDs create a stunning blue light show.
:camerawithflash:🎄 Holiday Elf Fun
Visit during the holidays to see the giant Elf on the Shelf atop the Spire. A unique Scottsdale tradition!
:gift:🚶♀️ Stroll the Gardens
Explore the surrounding sculpture garden and desert plants for a peaceful experience.
:seedling:🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Conveniently located in a shopping center with ample parking. Perfect for a quick stop.
:car:💡 FLW Fan Detour
A worthwhile stop for Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts. Consider visiting Taliesin West nearby.
:building_construction:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire's unique architectural design and its captivating nighttime illumination. Many appreciate the serene sculpture garden surrounding the landmark and find it to be a worthwhile detour, especially for fans of Frank Lloyd Wright. The seasonal addition of a giant Elf on the Shelf during the holidays adds a whimsical and popular element. Some note its location within a busy shopping center, which can detract from a purely tranquil experience.
"Although I’ve been driving past this beautiful spire for many years , I never realized that there was a stunning sculpture garden that surrounded the grounds of this landmark. I was fortunate enough to have borrowed a book from the Phoenix public library that spoke about places in Phoenix that you must not miss written by Travis Taylor. It’s a great book that gives you in depth information on all sorts of places to visit in our surrounding city. I highly recommend reading this book .
And visit this landmark too!"
Patricia Pieton
"Apparently, this sculpture is illuminated at night ... the daytime viewing is still magnificent considering it's a product of FLW. The area is a very serene garden od different desert plants & some palm trees. There are other forms of artwork displayed on the grounds.
The spire is located on on a corner plot of a large shopping center. It's worth the detour if you are a true fan of the architecture by FLW."
Xtine Trinidaddy
"Prepare to be Spired Away! The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire in Scottsdale is a Must-See Landmark!
Have you ever seen something so unique, so striking, that it just stops you in your tracks? That's exactly what the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire in Scottsdale, Arizona does! This isn't just another landmark; it's a testament to architectural genius and a fantastic photo opportunity that you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Standing proudly at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, this 125-foot tall spire is a breathtaking sight. Originally designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright in 1957 as part of his ambitious "Oasis" concept for the Arizona State Capitol, the spire wasn't actually built until 2004. Imagine that – a design decades ahead of its time, finally brought to life!
Wright's original vision for the Arizona State Capitol, dubbed "The Oasis," was unfortunately rejected back in the day for being too "modern." However, Scottsdale recognized the brilliance in Wright's design and decided to make the spire a focal point for the Promenade Shopping Centre. Thanks to one of Wright's apprentices, Arnold Roy, who adapted the original design, this stunning structure became a reality.
What makes the spire so special?
* Unique Design: It's unlike anything you've ever seen. Constructed from 1,700 steel pieces and weighing a hefty 75,000 pounds, the spire's turquoise blue panels and geometric design are truly captivating. It embodies Wright's philosophy of "organic architecture," blending manufactured structure with the natural desert landscape.
* Historical Significance: It represents a fascinating piece of architectural history, showcasing a design that was ahead of its time and a glimpse into Wright's unbuilt vision for Arizona's Capitol.
* Awesome Photo Opportunity: Whether you're an amateur or a professional photographer, the spire offers incredible photo opportunities. During the day, its unique shape and color stand out against the Arizona sky. But the real magic happens at night when internal LED lighting illuminates the spire in a soft blue glow, creating a mesmerizing spectacle visible for miles.
* Celestial Alignment: Adding to its uniqueness, the spire's design aligns with the celestial equator, making it a man-made star map of sorts!
Local Tips for your Visit:
* Evening Visit: Arrive in the evening to witness the spire's stunning nighttime illumination – it's a completely different experience than seeing it during the day.
* Combine with Shopping/Dining: It's located at the Promenade Shopping Centre, so you can easily combine your visit with a shopping spree or a meal.
* Explore Wright's Scottsdale: For a deeper dive into Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, Taliesin West, his winter home and school, is only about 7 miles away. Touring the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Scottsdale
The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire is more than just a sculpture; it's a symbol of Scottsdale's commitment to art and architecture, and a must-visit landmark for anyone in the area. Go see it for yourself and prepare to be amazed!"
Bill Weaver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Spire is located at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's situated within the Promenade Shopping Centre, making it easily accessible by car. Ample parking is available at the shopping center.
No, the Spire is not located in Old Town Scottsdale. It's situated in the northern part of Scottsdale, at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, within a shopping center.
The Spire is at the prominent intersection of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. It's also near Bell Road.
While specific bus routes may vary, Scottsdale has a public transportation system. It's advisable to check the Valley Metro website for the most current routes and schedules that serve the Promenade Shopping Centre area.
Yes, the Spire is a recognizable landmark in Scottsdale, particularly due to its height and unique design. It's often mentioned as a point of reference.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to view the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire. It is a public art installation located in an open area accessible to everyone.
The Spire is accessible 24/7 as it is an outdoor public art installation. However, the surrounding shopping center has its own operating hours. The nighttime illumination is a key feature to experience.
There is no admission fee to visit and view the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire. It's a free public art piece.
Yes, visiting the Spire after dark is highly recommended to witness its beautiful internal LED illumination, which creates a mesmerizing glow.
The Spire is a standalone public art sculpture and not part of a specific museum or gallery, though it is located within a shopping center.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
For architectural detail, daytime offers clear views. However, many find the evening illumination to be the most photogenic time, creating a dramatic effect.
Yes, the grounds around the Spire often feature other sculptures and art displays as part of the surrounding garden.
The Spire is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's principles of organic architecture, blending manufactured structure with the natural desert landscape. It features geometric designs and steel and glass construction.
The Spire's design is based on a concept Frank Lloyd Wright proposed in 1957 for the Arizona State Capitol. It was later adapted and built, representing a piece of architectural history.
Absolutely! The Spire is internally illuminated with LEDs at night, casting a soft blue glow that is quite spectacular.
🎫 🎄 Holiday Traditions
During the holiday season, a giant inflatable 'Elf on the Shelf' is placed atop the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire, creating a unique and popular Scottsdale tradition.
The Elf on the Shelf is a seasonal display, typically appearing during the holiday season, from late November through December.
No, the giant Elf on the Shelf is a temporary holiday decoration and is not a permanent part of the Spire.
The Elf on the Shelf is placed on top of the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire, which is located at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Bell Road.
Yes, the Elf on the Shelf atop the Spire is a very popular photo spot during the holiday season, drawing many visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🏛️ Architecture Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Vision of Frank Lloyd Wright
Wright's philosophy of organic architecture is evident in the Spire's design. It aims to harmonize manufactured structures with the natural environment. The Spire's construction from 1,700 steel pieces, weighing 75,000 pounds, and its distinctive turquoise blue panels and geometric patterns, all contribute to this seamless integration. It's a striking example of how modern materials and design can echo the forms and spirit of the desert landscape.
Furthermore, the Spire holds a unique celestial significance. Its design is aligned with the celestial equator, effectively making it a man-made star map. This astronomical connection adds another layer of depth to the structure, inviting contemplation of both human ingenuity and the cosmos. For those interested in Frank Lloyd Wright's work, visiting the Spire offers a tangible connection to his unfulfilled architectural dreams and his profound impact on American design.
Experiencing the Spire: Day vs. Night
However, many visitors and locals alike rave about the Spire's transformation after sunset. As darkness falls, internal LED lighting illuminates the structure, casting a soft, ethereal blue glow that can be seen from miles away. This nighttime illumination creates a truly magical and serene atmosphere, offering a completely different visual spectacle.
For those seeking a unique seasonal experience, the Spire becomes an even more whimsical attraction during the holiday season. A giant 'Elf on the Shelf' is often placed atop the Spire, turning this architectural marvel into a festive landmark that draws crowds for photos and a touch of holiday cheer. This blend of art, architecture, and seasonal festivity makes the Spire a dynamic and memorable destination throughout the year.
The Spire's Festive Transformation: The Giant Elf
This festive addition draws significant attention, with many visitors making a special trip to see the giant elf perched high above the intersection. It's a fantastic photo opportunity, blending the architectural grandeur of the Spire with the playful spirit of the holidays. The contrast between the sleek, modern design of the Spire and the jolly, oversized elf creates a unique and memorable visual.
The Elf on the Shelf display typically appears from late November through December, adding a unique charm to the Scottsdale landscape during this festive period. It's a testament to how public art can be creatively adapted to celebrate seasonal events, making the Spire a dynamic and engaging landmark throughout the year.
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