Simon Rodia's hand-built towers of steel, mortar, and mosaic reaching 99 feet, constructed over 33 years (1921-1954) in South LA. One of the great works of outsider art in America and a Los Angeles landmark that deserves more attention than it receives.
Location
Map
Insider Intel
Take a guided tour (required to enter the site) to understand the construction methods and Rodia's story. The towers are made of steel rebar wrapped in wire mesh and covered in mortar, embedded with found objects: glass, pottery, shells, tiles. The tallest reaches 99.5 feet. The ambition and the craftsmanship are staggering when you understand that Rodia worked alone, without scaffolding or machine equipment, for over three decades. The surrounding neighborhood context matters — this is Watts, not West Hollywood.
Tours run Thursday-Saturday and vary by season — check the website for current schedule. Morning tours are cooler. The site is small and a visit takes about an hour including the tour. Located in South LA, 10 miles south of Downtown. Consider visiting as part of a broader exploration of South LA rather than as an isolated destination.
Simon Rodia was an Italian immigrant and tile mason who bought the lot in 1921 and began building the towers as a personal project. He worked alone, without plans or drawings, for 33 years. He never gave a clear explanation for why he built them. In 1954 he deeded the property to a neighbor and moved to Northern California. The towers nearly were demolished in the 1950s but survived a structural test and were saved. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. One of the great examples of outsider art in the United States and a testament to individual obsession. The towers are fragile, extraordinary, and unlike anything else in Los Angeles. Essential LA, but often overlooked because of the location.