Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium
N 33° 25.058 W 111° 56.325
12S E 412719 N 3697981
Originally designed for Bagdad, Iraq, this is the last building Frank Lloyd Wright designed.
Waymark Code: WMBGR
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 04/28/2006
Views: 181
Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium was originally designed by Wright to be the Bagdad Opera House in 1957-1958. Plans were shelved when the country destabilized. The plans were revived for Arizona State University's new auditorium due to the nearby location of Wright's studio, Taliesin West, as well as the similarity of environment. Both Iraq and Gammage Auditorium (as it is called locally)are desert locations.
Wright designed the building to be as acoustically perfect as possible. Minor changes were made to the plans to accomodate recent innovations that were not available at the time Wright drew up the plans. The auditorium seats over 3,000 people on its main floor, grand tier and balcony.
The auditorium was built built after Wright's death by Taliesin Associated Architects, led by William Wesley Peters and John Rattenbury, who worked with consultants Vern O. Knudsen for acoustics and George C. Izenour for stage equipment.
There has been much criticism over the years about this building. Some have felt it doesnt belong in a list of Wright buildings,partly for being recycled plans instead of unique designs for the specific site. Gammage auditorium has also been criticized for its awkward form, with its multiple circular geometries, its exterior colonnade, and the pedestrian ramps that connected to the surrounding parking.
The building is still in use today. Attending an event at Gammage Auditorium is a pleasurable experience. Free tours are available on Mondays only.
Year Completed: 1964
Commissioned By: Arizona State University
Nearest City or Town: Tempe, Arizona
Public/Private: Public
Tours Available?: yes
Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
There are no specific visit requirements, however telling about your visit is strongly encouraged. Additional photos of the building or house to add to the gallery are also nice, but not required. Pictures with a GPS or you in them is highly discouraged.