Watts Towers Arts Center sits beside Simon Rodia’s 17 sculptural towers in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Built over 33 years from steel, wire, mortar and found objects, the towers are covered with pieces of glass, tile, pottery and other materials. Look closely at the mosaics and details across the structures, then visit the center’s gallery for work by local artists. The site connects Rodia’s individual project with arts education and cultural activity in the community.
Simon Rodia’s towers
Italian-born tile setter Simon Rodia began building the Watts Towers in 1921. He worked on the project for 33 years, using hand tools and materials he gathered or reclaimed. Steel and wire form the structures, which he covered with mortar and decorated with glass, pottery, tile, seashells and other objects.
The site contains 17 interconnected sculptures and architectural structures. The tallest tower reaches about 99.5 feet. Up close, the surfaces reveal an accumulation of small, varied pieces. Walk around the site and take time to read the plaques; they add context to details that can be easy to miss from a distance.
The art center and community
The Watts Towers Arts Center is next to the sculptures. Its gallery presents work by local artists, and the center supports arts education and community cultural programs. Exhibitions and activities bring contemporary work into the same visit as Rodia’s long-running construction project.
The towers and center are in Watts, at 1727 E 107th St. The site’s cultural significance is tied to both Rodia’s work and the surrounding community. The center’s focus on local artists and arts education gives visitors a way to encounter more than the landmark itself.
Planning a visit
Access to the sculptures is controlled through a gated area, and tours provide a way to see them up close. The visit can include an informational video before the tour; watching it first helps explain the materials and the project’s history. Tour schedules have a lunch pause, so check the current arrangements before setting out.
For parking, use the access on Willowbrook Avenue. Navigation to the 107th Street address may bring you to a stretch without parking access. Keep your ticket ready at the entrance, and leave the sculptures untouched. The site also has a small parking area and an adjoining gallery.
FAQ
How long does a visit to Watts Towers take?
A short visit to see the towers can take about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow more time if you plan to take a tour or visit the gallery.
Can you go inside the gated area?
Access to the towers is controlled, and tours provide entry to the gated area. Check the current tour arrangements before visiting.
Where should I park for Watts Towers?
Use the parking access on Willowbrook Avenue. The 107th Street address may not lead you to the parking area.
What should I see at the towers?
Look closely at the mosaic surfaces, made with materials including glass, tile, pottery and seashells. The site has 17 interconnected structures, with the tallest reaching about 99.5 feet.
