Watts Towers

Watts Towers is a group of large sculptural towers in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, created by Italian-American artist Samuel “Sam” Rodia. Construction took place over several decades in the early to mid 20th century and the site is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The main attraction is the clustered assemblage of mosaic-covered towers and connecting structures, with the tallest spire roughly 30 m (99.5 ft) high. Surfaces are covered with found materials including tile, glass and pottery, producing intricate patterns and decorative detail.

Built single-handedly by Sam Rodia between the 1920s and 1950s, the towers were created without formal plans using steel, mortar and recycled materials. The site survived landmark preservation battles in the 1950s and 1960s and has since been conserved and interpreted as an important example of vernacular folk art.

The towers sit on 1765 East 107th Street in the Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, within the city of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. They stand in an urban, residential area about 16 km (10 miles) south of downtown Los Angeles.

• Height: The tallest spire reaches roughly 30 m (99.5 ft), making it visible across the Watts neighborhood.
• Touring: Access to interior platforms is restricted; guided tours from the visitor center provide the best close-up views and historical context.

What to See #

• Visitor center: Small visitor center and arts complex that interprets the towers and Sam Rodia's work; offers guided tours on scheduled days.
• Sculptural towers: The towers themselves - a group of interconnected sculptural spires constructed of steel, mortar and mosaic, the tallest reaching about 30 m (99.5 ft).