Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Desert View: An Investigation with Scott Thybony

Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Desert View: An Investigation with Scott Thybony

A massive stone tower rises seventy feet from the rim of Grand Canyon. The Watchtower at Desert View provides visitors with dramatic views but goes beyond being a sight-seeing stop. In the 1930s an architectural designer had a vision to create a monument honoring the Pueblo cultures deeply rooted in the region. Mary Colter traveled through the Four Corners country for six months while researching ancient towers and rock art. She based the Watchtower on a prehistoric tower from Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde. And she commissioned three artists, two of them Hopi, to fill the interior walls with images found on cliff faces and kiva walls throughout the region. Based on his field investigations and talks with knowledgeable Hopi, writer Scott Thybony will compare the Watchtower artwork with the original images that inspired them.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
12:15 PM - 01:00 PM on Mon, 14 Jul 2025

Event Supported By

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
928-779-4395
sbenjamin@azstateparks.gov

Artist Group Info

sbenjamin@azstateparks.gov
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
409 W Riordan Rd
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
928-779-4395
sbenjamin@azstateparks.gov