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 chapel located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was designed by a famous architect named E. Fay Jones and built in 1980. The chapel's design reminds people of the Prairie School style of architecture. This style was made popular by Frank Lloyd Wright, who was once E. Fay Jones's teacher.
A retired schoolteacher named Jim Reed wanted this chapel built. He imagined a special place for quiet thought and prayer, open to everyone, no matter their religion. It was meant to be a peaceful spot away from the city. The design of Thorncrown Chapel was inspired by Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning Gothic church in Paris, France. That church is famous for its many colorful stained-glass windows. Sainte-Chapelle used to hold important old Christian items, including a Crown of Thorns. This special item gave the American chapel its unique name.
Thorncrown Chapel is known for its amazing design. In 2006, the American Institute of Architects gave it the Twenty-five Year Award. This award recognizes buildings that are still great after 25 years. The chapel was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This is a big deal because buildings usually have to be at least 50 years old to get on this list, unless they are very important. Budget Travel magazine called it one of the "12 Most Beautiful Churches in America." Bored Panda also listed it among the "50 Most Extraordinary Churches Of The World."
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Why Was Thorncrown Chapel Built?
Jim Reed, a retired schoolteacher, bought land in 1971 near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He wanted to build a special chapel there. He hoped it would be a quiet place for meditation, set apart in the peaceful, wooded hills.
Reed asked architect E. Fay Jones to design the chapel. Jones said he got his ideas for Thorncrown Chapel from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France. That French church is famous for its beautiful inside, which looks like a jewel. This is because it has many narrow, colorful stained-glass windows that let light stream in.
What Does Thorncrown Chapel Look Like?
The chapel is about 48 feet (15 meters) tall, 24 feet (7.3 meters) wide, and 60 feet (18 meters) long. It has an amazing 425 windows, which means about 6,000 square feet (or 560 square meters) of glass!
When Jones designed the chapel, he wanted to protect the natural forest around it. So, he decided that no part of the building could be too big for two people to carry through the woods. The chapel was built using natural materials found in northwestern Arkansas. These include Southern pine wood and flagstone for the floor and low walls. A small skylight on the roof was later made bigger to let in even more natural light.
The chapel looks like it's open to the outside, but it's actually a closed space with air conditioning. It can seat up to 100 people. The chapel is open every day from March to December, and it's free to visit. It closes in January and February, except for special events like weddings. Church services that welcome all faiths are held in a nearby worship center on Sundays from April to December.
Awards and Recognition for Thorncrown Chapel
The American Institute of Architects chose Thorncrown Chapel for its 2006 Twenty-five Year Award. This award celebrates buildings that have remained excellent for 25 years. In 2000, the chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of important historical places in the United States. Buildings usually need to be 50 years old to be on this list, but Thorncrown Chapel was added sooner because it is so special.
Budget Travel magazine included the chapel in its list of "12 Most Beautiful Churches in America." The website Bored Panda also put it on its list of the "50 Most Extraordinary Churches Of The World."
See also
In Spanish: Capilla Thorncrown para niños
- Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, another similar chapel built by E. Fay Jones in nearby Bella Vista, Arkansas
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Carroll County, Arkansas
