Thorncrown Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Thorncrown Chapel
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Eureka Springs, Arkansas |
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| Area | 7.6 acres (3.1 ha) |
| Built | 1980 |
| Architect | E. Fay Jones |
| Architectural style | Modern |
| MPS | Arkansas Designs of E. Fay Jones MPS AD |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000452 |
| Added to NRHP | April 28, 2000 |
Thorncrown Chapel is a beautiful glass chapel located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was designed by a famous architect named E. Fay Jones and finished in 1980. The chapel looks like it's part of the forest around it, with lots of windows that let in natural light.
A retired teacher named Jim Reed wanted a special place for people to think and meditate. He asked E. Fay Jones to design it. Jones was inspired by an old church in Paris, France, called Sainte-Chapelle. That church had many stained-glass windows. The name "Thorncrown" comes from a famous relic, the Crown of Thorns, which was once kept in Sainte-Chapelle.
Thorncrown Chapel is very special. It won the "Twenty-five Year Award" in 2006 from the American Institute of Architects. This award is given to buildings that are still amazing after 25 years. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This is a big honor for a building. Many travel lists have called it one of the most beautiful churches in America and even the world!
How the Chapel Was Built
Jim Reed bought the land for the chapel in 1971. He wanted a quiet place for meditation, away from the busy city. He chose E. Fay Jones because of his unique style. Jones wanted the chapel to blend in with the forest.
Jones was inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. That church is known for its stunning, jewel-like inside. It has many narrow, colorful windows that fill the space with light. Jones wanted Thorncrown Chapel to have a similar feeling, but with a natural, woodsy look.
Chapel Design and Features
The chapel is about 48 feet (15 meters) tall. It is 24 feet (7 meters) wide and 60 feet (18 meters) long. It has an amazing 425 windows! These windows cover about 6,000 square feet (560 square meters) of glass.
When the chapel was being built, Jones had a rule. No part of the building could be too big for two people to carry through the woods. This helped protect the trees and nature around the site. The chapel was built using materials found in Arkansas. These include Southern pine wood and flagstone for the floor.
Even though it looks open, the chapel is actually an enclosed space. It has air conditioning, making it comfortable for visitors. It can seat up to 100 people. The chapel is open every day from March to December. Entry is free for visitors. It closes in January and February, but you can still book it for special events like weddings.
Awards and Recognition
Thorncrown Chapel has received many important awards. In 2006, the American Institute of Architects gave it the "Twenty-five Year Award." This award celebrates buildings that have stood the test of time and are still important.
In 2000, the chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Buildings usually need to be at least 50 years old to get this honor. But Thorncrown Chapel was so special that it was added much sooner.
Many travel guides and websites have also praised the chapel. Budget Travel magazine called it one of the "12 Most Beautiful Churches in America." Bored Panda listed it as one of the "50 Most Extraordinary Churches Of The World." These awards show how unique and loved Thorncrown Chapel is.
See also
In Spanish: Capilla Thorncrown para niños
- Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, another similar chapel designed by E. Fay Jones nearby.
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Carroll County, Arkansas
