Four Southwestern Architecture Landmarks
to Visit on your Next Road Trip
The Southwest is known for many things, including its natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Big Bend. When it comes to architectural wonders, the Southwest is home to many historic Pueblo landmarks and modern structures built and designed to thrive in its terracotta desert.
We’ve shortlisted our favorite southwest architectural designs from the Arizona and New Mexico regions for you to visit on your next southwest adventure:
Taos Pueblo – Taos, New Mexico
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient village is home to one of the oldest communities in North America. Just a 10-minute drive from Taos’ historic downtown, the multi-storied structure helped inspire the early 20th century Pueblo Revival architecture movement in the Southwest. Taos Pueblo is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs looking to explore its 1000-year history.
The KiMo Theatre – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Located in the heart of downtown Albuquerque, right on Route 66, the KiMo Theater is a prime example of the state’s legendary 1920s Pueblo Deco designs. From the colorful tilework in the ticket office to the elaborate murals, the KiMo Theater is a true Southwestern architecture beauty. The theater hosts performances every season, but architecture fans can still tour the theater’s stunning interiors for free and learn more about the KiMo’s fascinating design.
Taliesin West – Scottsdale, Arizona
No architecture tour in Arizona would be complete without visiting a Frank Lloyd Wright original. Wright conceptualized Taliesin West as a desert utopia in the Arizona foothills. The 1937 landmark now serves as the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture’s main campus and offers tours throughout the year.
Chapel of the Holy Cross – Sedona, Arizona
Built within Sedona’s red rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is best known for its breath-taking floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stunning Sedona landscape. Inspired and commissioned by Marguerite Brunswig Staude (a student of Frank Lloyd Wright), the Chapel of the Holy Cross has been dubbed by locals as one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona.
Jessie Ellis
Wife, friend and dog mom with 18+ years of education and 12+ years as a commercial design professional. Always inquisitive, creative and empathetic; trying to live each day with intention.