Sometimes the real treasures are hiding where you don’t expect to see them. One of such wonders is amazing Thorncrown chapel (Thorncrown Chapel), located in the forests of the mountain region Orsak. The structure looks like it was built not people, and the real elveswho know a lot about the beautiful.
source: flickr/cc/Randy Lane
A marvelous chapel was built in 1980 by a talented architect Eugene Faye Johnson, a well-known disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright, the architectural pioneer, advocating the use of open plans. In 1990, Jones was awarded the AIA gold medal – the highest award of the American Institute of architecture.
source: flickr/cc/Randy Lane 
(c) Thorncrown Chapel Photo: Whit Slemmons
The building is almost fully built with local natural materials. Nave – the Central part of the chapel reaches a height of 48 feet, and not too careful observer it may seem that it does not have walls. The magical effect creates a glazing, which has 425 Windowscovering over six thousand square feet of walls. Inside the chapel corner diagonal beams as if floating in the air, crossing and creating a perfect symmetrythat, in contrast with the natural symmetry that makes the forest structure is unique.
source: flickr/cc/Randy Lane
Due to its singularity, in 2000, the chapel of Thorncrown included in the list of National historic landmarks. This can be considered a fair achievement because the building must be at least 50 years before it will be considered as a candidate for official landmark status from the city. But the influence of the chapel on the architecture and design have prompted authorities to submit it in the monuments of earlier. In addition, the building has received numerous architectural awards and honors that could not affect the decision.
(c) the Thorncrown Chapel Photo: Whit Slemmons
Chapel Thorncrown located in Eureka Springs in Arkansas, and you can get there via highway 62 West Hwy. The chapel is open for visits:
- from April to November from 09:00 to 17:00;
- in March and December – from 10:00 to 16:00;
- in January and February, the chapel is closed to visitors and it only hosts weddings and other celebrations.
It also hosts services on Sundays, to attend which can be anyone.
More details about this fabulous building can be found on the official website of the chapel of Thorncrown.
