Thorncrown Chapel

Just outside of Eureka Springs is the Thorncrown Chapel, which was built in 1980 and designed by noted architect E. Fay Jones. The chapel stands 48 feet tall, and has 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. The design was inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle, a gothic church in Paris that was built in the 13th century. That church holds many old Christian relics that were collected by King Louis, including what is believed to be a portion of the Crown of Thorns. That connection helped lend the name of the Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas.



The chapel has become one of the most famous buildings in the state. In 1981 it was given the American Institute of Architects National Honor Award, and was later named one of the top ten buildings of the 20th century. In 2000, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a rare honor for a building that was only 20 years old.