Perhaps the one of the most famous chapels in modern times is Thorncrown Chapel, situated deep in the Ozark woodlands just north of Eureka Springs. This striking glass and wood structure has been featured in numerous magazines and has won many architectural awards such as the American Institute of Architecture's Design of the Year Award for 1981 and the American Institute of Architecture's Design of the Decade Award for the 1980s. Since it opened in the summer of 1980, over four million people have visited this peaceful sanctuary.
Designed by world-renowned architect, Arkansas native E. Fay Jones, the soaring edifice of the chapel is almost entirely of glass, allowing visitors and worshipers to partake of the beautiful Ozark countryside. It is a 48-foot tall glass structure with 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass and is available for daily visitation, retreats and weddings. Called the most beautiful chapel in the world, the glass and steel wonder hides deep in a wooded setting. There is no admission but donations are gratefully accepted for upkeep on this non-denominational chapel.
