Thorncrown Chapel is one of the most celebrated buildings in America — a breathtaking 48-foot glass chapel rising out of the Ozark woods just west of Eureka Springs. Designed by Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones (a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright) and completed in 1980, it has welcomed more than seven million visitors and was named one of the American Institute of Architects’ top buildings of the 20th century. It’s free to visit and utterly unforgettable.
About Thorncrown Chapel
Thorncrown is built from more than 400 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, its slender wood trusses forming a soaring lattice that seems to dissolve into the surrounding forest. Jones designed it to sit lightly on the land — every piece was small enough to be carried through the woods by hand. The result won the AIA’s Design of the Year award for 1981 and, later, a spot among the AIA’s greatest American buildings. If you’ve visited the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista, Thorncrown is its more famous older sibling — both are Fay Jones masterpieces of the “Ozark Gothic” style.
Visiting
- Admission: Free — donations are gratefully accepted and help preserve the chapel.
- Season: Open March through December (closed in the depths of winter).
- Hours: Generally 9 a.m.–5 p.m., but the chapel sometimes closes early (as early as around 12:30 p.m.) for weddings and services — check ahead if timing is tight.
- Services: Non-denominational worship services are held on Sundays in season.
- Great for: Architecture lovers, photography, quiet reflection, and weddings.
For current hours, the service schedule, and wedding information, see the official Thorncrown Chapel website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thorncrown Chapel free to visit?
Yes. There is no admission fee, though donations are accepted. The chapel is open March through December, generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though it sometimes closes early for weddings and services.
Who designed Thorncrown Chapel?
It was designed by Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, and completed in 1980. It won the American Institute of Architects’ Design of the Year award for 1981.
Can you get married at Thorncrown Chapel?
Yes. Thorncrown is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Ozarks. See the official website for booking and availability.
Location & Directions
- Address: 12968 US-62 W, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
- Official site: thorncrown.com
- Admission: Free (donations accepted)
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