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Watts Towers
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
Historical Landmark
Watts Towers Description
At first glance, the Watts Towers don't look like much -- just a few gray metal structures sticking out from a chainlink fence in a nondescript east LA neighborhood next to the highway. But up close is a vibrant, complex artistic feat that's hard to believe was accomplished by just one man. Using bits of glass, shells, and tile, Italian immigrant Sabato (Simon) Rodia crafted what are now 17 structures -- the tallest of which is more than 99 feet high. It took him 33 years to complete his masterpiece, a magically whimsical castle-like compound made entirely of scraps. The towers were nearly demolished after Rodia's death, but a local committee banned together to save them, and they are now a national historic landmark.
Just the Facts
Hours: Inside tours: Fri. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sat. 10:30 p.m.-3 p.m.; Sun. 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
Fees: Under $10
