Arcosanti FAQs
COVID FAQ
What’s changed about the daily tours at Arcosanti? Are you still offering them?
Yes, we will be offering tours of Arcosanti again with a revised schedule. While we had been accustomed to including several indoor spaces on the daily guided tours of Arcosanti, our tours now can be described as “outdoor mostly.” Tours will be limited to a maximum of 8 people and we strongly suggest wearing/bringing a face covering.
Here is our revised tour schedule:
Monday: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM
Thursday: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM
Can I still stay overnight at Arcosanti? How do I book a guest room?
Yes, we are still taking reservations for overnight stays. Our guest accommodations will be thoroughly cleaned before and after your stay. All of our available units are listed on Airbnb.
Will you still be offering hands-on workshops?
Yes, we are offering hands-on art workshops this fall with smaller group sizes and extra social distancing precautions in place. Glass-blowing, photography, metalworking, and more in a setting like no other. Come to Arcosanti and dare to do art differently.
Is the windbell gallery open for customers? What changes are being made?
Yes, the windbell gallery is open, with many changes being implemented to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.
- Plexiglass shields have been installed in front of register locations to maintain social distancing between our customers and employees.
- Hand sanitizer is readily available to everyone in the gallery.
- Directional signage will help direct customer traffic flow in one direction, and demarcation lines are installed to maintain 6-ft distancing at checkout.
- We request that customers pay with credit/debit cards whenever possible for a contactless transaction.
- Face coverings are required to be worn while visiting Arcosanti.
Is the Cafe open?
The Café at Arcosanti will be open Thursdays – Sundays from 9am – 2pm. Visitors can enjoy self-service coffee and tea from 9–11 am and made-to-order lunch from 11am – 2pm. The Café is vegetarian and vegan friendly, featuring organic ingredients grown in and around Arizona.
About Arcosanti
What is Arcosanti?
Arcosanti is an attempted prototype for architect Paolo Soleri’s vision of an arcology. For more information visit the About page.
Where is Arcosanti?
Arcosanti is located near Cordes Junction, Arizona, about 70 miles north of Phoenix, at the intersection of the I-17 and the route 69 highways. Exit the highway at Arcosanti Road and follow the signs that will lead motorists on a lengthy dirt and gravel road to Arcosanti’s grounds and distinctive architecture.
Is Arcosanti open on holidays?
Arcosanti is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Arcosanti closes early at 1 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Do people live at Arcosanti?
Yes, Arcosanti has a small community of mostly adults and a few children and seniors who reside there year-round. Like any community, Arcosanti’s residents have a wide range of interests, careers, and backgrounds, and each person contributes to the Urban Laboratory through volunteering or working for Cosanti Originals or The Cosanti Foundation.
Learn more on the Arcosanti Life page.
How does Arcosanti fulfill Paolo Soleri's philosophical ideas?
Central to Paolo Soleri’s arcology philosophy are “leanness” and “elegant frugality”. Arcosanti follows the motto of “doing more with less”, by using less energy, less pollution, less waste of space and material we are creating a more efficient society. This is an idea that embraces not only the architecture but also the human aspects of everyday life. Arcosanti attracts not only those interested in studying architecture, but also people who want to learn about organic farming, solar energy, or simply to see what it would be like to live in a community based on an arcology.
How is Arcosanti financially supported?
Arcosanti is part of the nonprofit Cosanti Foundation which receives monetary support from individual donors and grant-making institutions as well as in-kind support from media and other partnerships. Arcosanti also receives revenue through the sales of its world-renowned bronze and ceramic Cosanti Windbells, fees collected from the thousands of people who come to tour Arcosani each year, workshop registrations, performing arts programming, and overnight stays in our guest rooms and campsites.
Can I take photographs and video footage?
Yes, you may take photos and videos of Arcosanti and its grounds for personal purposes, though any photography or videography intended for commercial use must have prior approval. We ask that you are respectful of residents and employees; Arcosanti is private property and the home and workplace of almost 80 residents. For more info email Outreach@Arcosanti.org
Can I fly my drone at Arcosanti?
We do allow drone footage with prior approval. Requests for filming using a drone requires prior completion of our location release forms.
For more info email Outreach@Arcosanti.org
Is Arcosanti ADA accessible?
There are some areas to Arcosanti that are not ADA accessible; this includes the Café, Windbell Gallery, most overnight Guest Rooms and the Arcosanti Foundry Apse. We do have ADA-accessible restroom facilities and an AirBnB room that is accessible but does not meet the full ADA requirements due to the door width.
Can I bring my pet dog?
Pet dogs must be leashed and are allowed on the grounds of Arcosanti on a leash as well as in the Windbell Gallery. Owners are asked to clean up after their pets. Only registered service dogs (no emotional support animals) are allowed in the Arcosanti Café; while dining in the Cafe, pets can be tethered outside to the railing on the East balcony. Please do not leave your animal in a hot car.
Tour FAQs
Are the tours of Arcosanti free?
No. Arcosanti is one of two culturally-significant sites stewarded by The Cosanti Foundation, a nonprofit organization. A significant percentage of The Foundation’s annual earned income comes from tours at Arcosanti. Daily Tours are $15/adult, $10/child/teen, and free for children under 12 years old.
Specialty Tours are $30/adult and $20/students with valid ID
Discounted School and Group Tour rates are based on the size of your group. Contact education@arcosanti.org to learn more.
Can I access the grounds and structures at Arcosanti as a visitor?
For the most part, the grounds and buildings at Arcosanti are designated as “restricted access” spaces. To explore the grounds and the iconic architecture of Arcosanti, Day Visitors and Overnight Guests must take a resident-led guided tour. Visitors may freely walk through the Windbell Gallery and the Arcosanti Cafe in the Visitor Center. Overnight Guests have access to more areas of the site during their stay.
Can I use the swimming pool?
Arcosanti’s Olympic-sized swimming pool overlooking the canyon is available to Overnight Guests and residents only.
Do individuals need a reservation to tour Arcosanti?
Tours capacity is limited and while we will gladly accommodate walk-in visitors whenever possible, we strongly encourage you making advance reservations.
Specialty tours (Architectural Insights Tour; Inside The Arcosanti Archives Tour, or Sustainable Arcosanti Tour) are offered twice monthly and require advance registration. Check the Tours page to find out when the next specialty tour will be offered.
Do groups need a reservation to tour Arcosanti?
Yes. To ensure that your entire group can tour Arcosanti together, please contact Arcosanti’s Education Department in advance to coordinate your visit and craft a tour experience that is right for your group.
Groups, including school groups, (university or K-12 groups) wishing to visit Arcosanti on a Field Trip, please contact education@arcosanti.org.
Is there internet access at Arcosanti?
Yes, Arcosanti has free high speed Wi-Fi that is accessible from most areas of its grounds and buildings.
Is Arcosanti baby-friendly?
With many of its passages accessible only by stairways, Arcosanti can be difficult to navigate with a stroller. We recommend adults use a wearable baby carrier such as a wrap, sling, or structured carrier when visiting with very young children. We do not have changing tables in our restroom facilities but we do have a limited number of high chairs in the Arcosanti Cafe.
Cafe FAQs
Does the Café have high chairs and/or booster seats?
The Café has one high chair but no booster seats.
Do we need a reservation to eat in the café?
No. However, reservations are requested for parties of 8 or more because the Arcosanti Cafe operates with minimal staff. With its menu offerings being made-to-order, large groups wishing to dine at once together can overwhelm our small kitchen staff.
Does the Café offer menu options for those diners with special dietary needs or restrictions?
Yes. Usually we have a variety of menu selections to choose from that include some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Please Note: While the Arcosanti Cafe does make every effort to prepare its different dietary-restricted food items separate from one another, there is a possibility that ingredients may come into contact with one another is in the small kitchen facilities.
Does the Café sell bottled water?
No. Consistent with our focus on living in a more environmentally conscious way, Arcosanti does not use plastic straws or sell bottled water. Using the artisan spring water on our grounds, we offer water by the glass as well as a dispenser to refill your water bottle.
Does the Café sell alcohol?
On occasion. Selection and availability varies.
Photoshoot and Event Collaboration FAQs
Is Arcosanti available for hosting private events?
Yes. Arcosanti is a beautiful spot to host your next meeting, workshop, retreat, reception, or event for groups from 10 to 350 people. Different add-ons such as overnight accommodations, on-site catering, or audio -visual support can customize your special event. Contact outreach@arcosanti.org to inquire about rates, dates, and availability.
Visit our Private Events page for more information.
What facilities are available as event venues?
There are a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces are available, from single rooms to a large outdoor amphitheater.
Visit our Private Events page for more information.
Can I host my wedding at Arcosanti?
Yes. Arcosanti has been the venue for several weddings and receptions; from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, the possibilities are flexible and customizable at Arcosanti.
Can Arcosanti be used as the site for a commercial photoshoot?
Yes, Arcosanti has been featured in fashion photoshoots, product photoshoots, and lifestyle photoshoots. Typically, this type of activity is subject to a site-usage fee as it requires Arcosanti to fully close to the public for a limited time.To find out more, or to propose a photoshoot opportunity for our consideration, contact outreach@arcosanti.org.
Where can I send a proposal for collaboration?
We regularly collaborate with arts and cultural organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and individual performers and artists. To suggest a collaboration idea or submit a proposal, email outreach@Arcosanti.org.
Media Inquiry FAQs
I'm interested in writing about Arcosanti or featuring it in a broadcast or radio piece. Is there a media spokesperson I can contact at Arcosanti?
Yes. Arcosanti has been a subject of interest for the media for a number of years. We are happy to coordinate tours or interviews for visiting members of the press, bloggers, podcasters, and other legitimate media. Contact the Marketing and Communications Department at pr@arcosanti.org with your inquiry. Please include your contact information, deadline, and the publication/station/platform you represent.
How do I get permission to use historical imagery, archival material, film/video materials of Arcosanti for my story?
Contact the Arcosanti Archives with your specific inquiry using as much detail as possible concerning the scope of your story/piece including your contact information; where your piece will be published or will be broadcast; the electronic format (pdf, jpeg, etc.) and desired resolution and/size of the images you’re requesting; and your deadline.
Any archival/historical images or materials received from the Arcosanti Archives are subject to conditions such as appropriately including photo credits and/or copyrights where applicable. Contact The Arcosanti Archives at archives@arcosanti.org.
Is there a digital media kit or press room?
Yes, the Press Room includes current and historical photography of Arcosanti, Cosanti, and Paolo Soleri as well as a brief history of these unique sites. Information on the organization’s leadership is included along with current press releases.
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