If you visit Arizona, it is worth stopping to see the “Bells of Soleri.”
A visit to the Cosanti bronze foundry is like going back to the 1960s. According to the Cosanti website, the foundry, in Paradise Valley, Arizona, is the residence and sculpture studio of Italian-American artist Paolo Soleri and his personal. Soleri (later accompanied by his students) began work on the experimental buildings in the mid-1950s.
Designated an Arizona Historic Site, Cosanti features a unique bioclimatic architectural environment. Its structures feature many imaginative design elements, reflecting innovative construction techniques.
Buy your Soleri hood
Take some time to stroll through the foundry garden and observe the unique architecture. There is a special sense of peace that visitors feel at Cosanti. You can’t rush; selecting a hood is not an easy process. You’ll want to spend time listening to the tone of each bell, admiring its designs. The proceeds from each sale directly benefit the Cosanti Foundation and help build Arcosanti, the futuristic architectural marvel north of Cosanti.
The bells range from $ 25 to over $ 1,000. You can even buy a signed original. Remember: your bell is an enduring treasure and the proceeds benefit Paolo Soleri’s work.
Visit the Cosanti bronze foundry
Every year about 50,000 people visit the foundry. Cosanti is open to visitors every day, except on major holidays. Self-guided tours are always available, but guided group tours are by reservation only. The Indoor / Outdoor Gift Gallery offers a wide range of Soleri handicrafts and printed materials. Take a few hours (at least) to visit the place. After a tour of the property and a visit to the Windbell Gallery, grab a bite to eat at the cafeteria.
Be sure to check the event calendar before your visit, too. The foundry regularly holds events, such as Shakespeare shows and jazz performances at Acrosanti, simply adding to the surreal majesty of the destination. You can also find special workshops at the foundry, as well as in-depth seminars, internships, “sediment smelting” workshops, and custom workshops. There are many ways to add depth to your visit to the foundry if you are feeling inspired.
Fun Facts About Foundry
- The word “Cosanti” is made up of two Italian words: cosa and anti. Translated, the name means “before (or against) things,” a reference to Soleri’s anti-materialist stance.
- Soleri’s unique, experimental and imaginative buildings made in the 1950s are fun to visit and add a layer of education and interest to your visit to the foundry.
- Soleri himself was a character, known not only for his art and architecture, but also for his philosophy.
The Cosanti bronze foundry is located at 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, one mile west of North Scottsdale Road and one mile south of Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale, Arizona.
