Taliesin West
Taliesin West
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert through the eyes of Frank Lloyd Wright. Deeply connected to the land from which it was forged, Taliesin West is a celebration of the Arizona desert — a celebration you can step into and explore on a tour, either guided by a Taliesin West expert or at your own pace with an audio tour.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: North Scottsdale
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Restaurants
99 within 3 miles
Attractions
75 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- wanderweggeistAnacortes, Washington42 contributionsInteresting; lovely locationWhether or not you're a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, this is a beautiful place to visit and learn about the history of American architecture. The free audio-tour is available via an app, and it provided a good sense of place and Wright's approach to design. It is paced well -- interesting details, but not too into the weeds. The setting is beautiful, but it can be hot. Much of the tour is outdoors, so plan accordingly!Visited May 2023Written May 3, 2023
- WinfieldRDHWinfield, Illinois942 contributionsA "must do" when in the Phoenix areaTruly a "must do" when in Phoenix. We were visiting friends and knew nobody who had been here, and not sure why. The architecture is truly fascinating- and the views of the desert are stunning. The tour really helps to capture how to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of the area. We made the mistake of not buying ahead of time. We just went into Scottsdale and came back - but smarter to online before you go. But do go- you won't regret itVisited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 16, 2023
- TFAtravelChicago, Illinois418 contributionsExcellent FLW Site - Good Self Guided TourFLW's west headquarters offers an interesting contrast to his Wisconsin home. But both are the same. They are "of the place." This site offers a self guided tour with headphones. I was skeptical but turns out for no good reason. The taped tour offered plenty of information, and allowed us to proceed at our own pace A definite must for any FLW fan, building buff, or just someone who wants to enjoy some tip top architecture.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 8, 2023
- craigologyAmstelveen, The Netherlands95 contributionsAn outstanding tour into the mind, philosophy and design of a master architect and his devoted students.Do not hesitate to visit Taliesin West. It is an absolute ‘must see’ for young and old, design students, inquiring minds, history buffs and more. A unique view into the mind of Frank Lloyd Wright and his talented students, turning a baron piece of land into an amazing architectural wonder, winter home and design studio. There is so much to take in, visually and emotionally as you walk around. An amazing and insightful audio tour guides you from space to space. Light, texture and flow are the result of this masterpiece created out of literally nothing. Get there early. Better still, arrive before it opens, that way you can enjoy the amazing views and audio tour in peace before the crowds begin to gather and slow down your experience.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 28, 2023
- Rebecca BCanton, Georgia6 contributionsAmazing place and inspiration !We took the tour of this amazing school and toured this beautiful property Taliesin. I highly recommend this especially with teens considering architecture or any one that loves Frank Lloyd Wright. We were all amazed at the entire place and the stories to go with it . The homes students created in the dessert were also incredibleVisited November 2022Traveled with familyWritten September 27, 2023
- scott rSilver Spring, Maryland701 contributionsYes, it's one of the must see FLW propertiesExpensive (as all of these are), but worth the price. On the audio tour you see the public spaces - anywhere the students would have gone, but not private living quarters. Audio tour is well paced, and you can hang back to let groups pass for best photo opportunities (there's decent spacing as everyone moves at his/her pace). Recording at times verges on hagiography (FLW was in some ways a petty tyrant), but then this is a sanctioned version, lol. Fascinating man, always fascinating architecture, and they do point his shortcomings - he was not s structural engineer, nor an ergonomist! Stunning in conception and a place of real beauty even at 100 degrees.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 6, 2023
- RV Manifest Destiny72 contributionsAnother Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieceAnother of Frank Lloyd Wrights masterpieces! Worth the visit for sure. We took the self guided tour, and they will supply headphones for your phone. It was well done and worth the visit. The gift shop was an adventure as well. Part of the tour is outside and the home sits in the desert so plan accordingly! You must order your tickets in advance for both guided and self guided tours. There is no RV parking here.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 8, 2023
- gmacmanAuckland Central, New Zealand29 contributionsExcellent tour of FLLWs iconic home.The tour is excellent, nothing needs to be said about the house. It is simply brilliant. Booking in advance is needed, don't expect to just turn up on the day. There is a DIY audio tour available but I recommend the guided tour as I think it includes more and is excellent.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 16, 2023
- SdelGreenville, Maine5 contributionsReally worth the visit !We loved visiting this beautiful compound ! The architecture is amazing and it is so well maintained with gorgeous landscaping and artwork. Our tour guide , Frank, gave one of the best tours we’ve had anywhere. He is passionate about the site and Frank Lloyd Wright. He is enthusiastic, funny and articulate and brought everything to life. This is really worth going to even for people who aren’t FLW fans.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2023
- Bonnie OLouisville, Kentucky9 contributionsWe recommend this tour!Through the expertise of Justine, our tour guide, we learned a great deal about Frank Lloyd Wright, and his fascinating winter home, Taliesin West. This also became his architectural school where his apprentices not only learned under Wright, but also helped build and maintain the buildings. This is a walking tour with many opportunities to stop and sit while hearing interesting details. It is definitely worth the time to visit!Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,197 reviews
Excellent
3,144
Very good
795
Average
166
Poor
56
Terrible
36
Jay W
Beaver Dam, WI221 contributions
Mar 2021
We thought that the audio tour was very informative, and it was just the right amount of information. It allowed for people to spread out for good social distancing and COVID-19 protection. Masks were also required and enforced. They have iPads with the audio tour so if you don't have a mobile device they can lend you one. The tour went to the outdoor courtyard, FLW's office, the living room, the reflecting pool, the studio, the theater, and many more rooms. The staff was helpful and friendly. They have a nice gift shop with unique Frank Lloyd Wrighty items for sale. Make sure to reserve a tour for the time you'd like because you can't just drive over and walk right in without a reservation.
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FL Adventures
Jupiter, FL42 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited the museum and took the 90 minute guided tour. We were very impressed by the detail provided by the guide and the ability to truly experience the house and grounds. This is not the typical off-limits museum — you can really get into the living areas and get a feel for what Wright was trying to accomplish/build and how he did it. We were positively surprised by the tour and recommend it to anyone visiting the area — you don’t need to be a Wright fan to enjoy the experience.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penelope E
98 contributions
Jan 2020
We've taken our out of town guests to all of the tours offered at Taliesin West. But the winter tour is our very favorite tour. It's $50 which includes a 2-hour tour with the outside all light up, the beautiful Dragon is afire, and the atmosphere is very dramatic. With that price you get a ticket for a glass of wine either before or after your tour, the wine is actually quite delicious. The views of Phoenix and Scottsdale from Taliesin are picture worthy especialy since you're there around sunset.
I'd suggest going a little early to visit the Gift shop which is filled with wonderful items and ladies if love jewelry you'll be in heaven. If you leave in the area the membership is a good deal and can be obtained immediately.
I'd suggest going a little early to visit the Gift shop which is filled with wonderful items and ladies if love jewelry you'll be in heaven. If you leave in the area the membership is a good deal and can be obtained immediately.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ashie b
Richmond, VA392 contributions
Mar 2021
Good tour. We were the last group (4pm) so our guide was a bit more relaxed and let us lag behind a bit to take pictures, which I really appreciated. It's always hard to get good pictures when there's people moving all around. I'm not really into architecture and don't know much about FLW but the information was simple and easy to understand. A bit bummed we can't see into more of the rooms. They kept the gift shop open late just so our group could get a chance to get some souvenirs :) nice gift shop too, much more than what's available on the website. Overall good tour but $40 per ticket is steep (we got student $30 but still steep for a 1 hr tour), glad we could do the guided tour since the self-guided tour isn't any cheaper.
Written March 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom S
Ypsilanti, MI181 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We took the 90-minute guided tour (the only way to see inside or even much of the outside) in a group of 26. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gracious in moving the group along and keeping it interesting. The tour requires walking, some steps, and ducking through small entrances. Portions of the tour are inside buildings, but about half the time we were outside, so dress for the weather. Admission for our tour was $40 per person- expensive, but worth it for a unique experience.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thegirlstravel
Tucson, AZ16 contributions
Feb 2020
I took a wonderful, guided Insights Tour of Taliesin West on Tuesday, February 25 as I was up from Tucson for a work conference. The structures and grounds were extremely interesting, and an it was an extra beautiful day with the wildflowers blooming all around. The $35 is slightly pricey but worth it. Guide Nicole was really the icing on the cake as she was engaging and knowledgeable, there wasn't a question she couldn't answer. I have a short attention span and she really kept things moving with her energetic, dynamic style.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BenDillow
Redlands, CA305 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Looking for an alternative to Spring Training the lovely Tally Ho Concierge suggested F. L. Wright’s Taliesin West. With modest enthusiasm we said, “Sure!” Boy are we glad we did! What a stunningly beautiful afternoon, combining Guide Nicolle with the quirky genius of Wright. They really have this tour down to a science—well informed (our group never asked a question she didn’t answer) well organized journey through the grounds (wish we could have wandered further from the house) and the house itself. Filled with just the right amount of information, delivered in enthusiastic narrative scale, Nicolle lead a well paced group from place to place, offering shade and seating at just the right times, picking and choosing tidbits and broad stokes in alternating manner. A very quick 90 minutes well worth the time and expense.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike71553
Sharon, MA612 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
We were staying not too far away and a friend had told us not to miss the Frank Lloyd Wright museum that this is.
Wonderful experience. You must reserve online first and pay ahead of time and either print out or have bar codes ready at check in at the desk. ($40 per person)
Plenty of “guides” around for questions. they operate self guided tours using your own phone and headphones but do have ipods available if you do not have a smart phone.
Nice gift shop at the end of the tour. Good views of the surrounding landscape from the tour. There are also human guided tours available at select times (See website)
Worth the $40 each as it also pays the bills there.
Wonderful experience. You must reserve online first and pay ahead of time and either print out or have bar codes ready at check in at the desk. ($40 per person)
Plenty of “guides” around for questions. they operate self guided tours using your own phone and headphones but do have ipods available if you do not have a smart phone.
Nice gift shop at the end of the tour. Good views of the surrounding landscape from the tour. There are also human guided tours available at select times (See website)
Worth the $40 each as it also pays the bills there.
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Senesa
New Braunfels, TX97 contributions
Feb 2020
Be sure to get reservations on-line. As you drive up to Taliesin West you can look out over the 500+ acres and imagine yourself in the 1940s. The tours are well run, small groups, able to hear and understand the guides, not having to wait from room to room. You are able to sit on the furniture and listen as the guides tell you about the life of Mr. Wright and his wife. It is also very interesting to see the way Mr. Wright used left over wood and other scraps for decor. The grounds are beautifully kept and I loved walking from room to room, not through hallways, but through coves and oddly shaped doors. It is a very interesting tour, I highly recommend it.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward F
23 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We had a wonderful tour, with lots of history, stories and plenty of details. We delayed making reservations as we still needed to make plans for other days of our trip, so ended up on the standard 90-minute Insights tour. It was just what we were looking for to walk through the buildings and learn how they were built and the amazing people who came to the desert to craft this masterpiece.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ginar
1 contribution
Wheelchair accessible?
Douglas N
Akron, OH45 contributions
Somewhat. They had ramps. There are areas that a person in a wheelchair could view. A wheel chair bound person could view all of the outside of the home and portions of the inside, but there are a few steps inside and Frank Loyd Write used a “compression and release” design in this building meaning the entrance to a new room got narrow and the ceiling gets low then it opens into a big room. It might be hard to navigate a wheelchair in parts of the inside of the home. If the person can walk a few steps around corners then I would say yes. If the individual is completely confined to a wheel chair I would still go because they will enjoy what they can see:))
can you cancel and recieve refund if trip is impossible
Jim M
Muncie, IN453 contributions
Check with the venue to be sure.
How much are the tours?
Jane P
Salt Spring Island, Canada86 contributions
Check online. I think we would have preferred a guided tour, rather than the audio one that we had to take.
Which tour would you take if you could only do one. The combination desert walk and insights tour or
The behind the scenes tour?
JanetWoo
Hobart, IN107 contributions
I would take the Behind the Scenes Tour, for sure. With the tour we took (the only one still available as we were last-minuting our trip to the house), we were only able to see about 4 rooms, which was pretty disappointing, and many areas were closed off to us. We were teased with the presence of other spaces, like "If you look into the window here you can see his studio", but we were not allowed in. Also, if you're visiting in the summer as we were, it's already 100 degrees in the shade some days. I would prefer to see more of the house, and think any architecture lover would prefer that. Hikers and visitors in winter might prefer to walk the landscape...
Alicia S
Southfield, MI85 contributions
What tour do you recommend? I see there are tours for an hour, 90 minutes and 2 hours.
FLWMarketing
Phoenix, AZ1 contribution
Our most popular tour is the 90 minutes Insights Tour. You see most of the Historic Core of the property. Die hard fans should definitely consider the Behind the Scenes tour.
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Claim your listingTaliesin West - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Taliesin West
- Hotels near Taliesin West:
- (2.83 mi) Aiden By Best Western @ Scottsdale North
- (2.99 mi) Holiday Inn & Suites Scottsdale North - Airpark, an IHG Hotel
- (2.99 mi) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix Scottsdale
- (0.69 mi) LUXURIOUS RESORT STYLE PROPERTY, CENTRALLY LOCATED TO GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
- (4.62 mi) ADERO Scottsdale Resort
- Restaurants near Taliesin West:
- (1.26 mi) Dos Familias Local Mexican
- (4.47 mi) Butters Pancakes & Cafe
- (4.57 mi) Grassroots Kitchen and Tap
- (4.75 mi) Butterfield's Pancake House
- (7.79 mi) That's Amore Gelato
- Attractions near Taliesin West:
- (1.68 mi) Wild Bunch Desert Guides LLC
- (0.93 mi) Hawaiian Experience Spa
- (2.94 mi) Desert Monsters Tours
- (3.29 mi) New Serenity Spa - Facial and Massage in Scottsdale
- (4.10 mi) Dukout Adventures