Arcosanti FAQs

Arcosanti is a community where people live and work. Arcosanti is also an experiment, a protoype city, or a urban laboratory of arcology, the harmony of architecture with ecology. For more information visit the About page.

Arcosanti is located near Cordes Junction, Arizona, about 70 miles north of Phoenix, at the intersection of the I-17 and the Route 69 highways. Exit the highway at Arcosanti Road and follow the signs that will lead motorists on a lengthy dirt and gravel road to Arcosanti’s grounds and distinctive architecture.

Get Directions to Arcosanti

The Arcosanti Tours and Café are closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Gallery closes only on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Arcosanti closes early at 1 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Yes, Arcosanti has a small community of diverse people, including families, who reside there year-round. Like any community, Arcosanti’s residents have a wide range of interests, careers, and backgrounds, and each person contributes to the Urban Laboratory through volunteering or working for Cosanti Originals or The Cosanti Foundation.

Learn more on the Arcosanti Life page.

Central to the philosophy of arcology are “leanness” and “elegant frugality”. Arcosanti follows the motto of “doing more with less,” by using less energy, less pollution, less waste of space and material we are creating a more efficient society. This is an idea that embraces not only the architecture but also the human aspects of everyday life. Arcosanti attracts not only those interested in studying architecture, but also people who want to learn about land stewardship, organic farming, solar energy, or simply to see what it would be like to live in a dense community based on an arcology.

Arcosanti is part of the nonprofit Cosanti Foundation which receives monetary support from individual donors and grant-making institutions as well as in-kind support from media and other partnerships. Arcosanti also receives revenue through the sales of its world-renowned bronze and ceramic Cosanti Windbells, fees collected from the thousands of people who come to tour Arcosani each year, workshop registrations, performing arts programming, and overnight stays in our guest rooms.

Yes, you may take photos and videos of Arcosanti and its grounds for personal purposes, though any photography or videography intended for commercial use must have prior approval. We ask that you are respectful of residents and employees; Arcosanti is private property and the home and workplace of almost many residents. For more info email Outreach@Arcosanti.org

We allow drone footage only with prior approval. Requests for filming using a drone requires prior completion of our location release forms.

For more info email outreach@arcosanti.org

There are some areas to Arcosanti that are not ADA accessible; this includes the Café, Windbell Gallery, most overnight Guest Rooms and the Arcosanti Foundry Apse. We do have ADA-accessible restroom facilities and an AirBnB room that is accessible but does not meet the full ADA requirements due to the door width.

Pet dogs must be leashed and are allowed on the grounds of Arcosanti on a leash as well as in the Windbell Gallery. Owners are asked to clean up after their pets. Only registered service dogs (no emotional support animals) are allowed in the Arcosanti Café; while dining in the Café, pets can be tethered outside to the railing on the east balcony. Please do not leave your animal in a hot car.

The Café has one high chair but no booster seats.

No. However, reservations are requested for parties of 8 or more because the Arcosanti Cafe operates with minimal staff. With its menu offerings being made-to-order, large groups wishing to dine at once together can overwhelm our small kitchen staff.

Yes. Usually we have a variety of menu selections to choose from that include some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Please Note: While the Arcosanti Cafe does make every effort to prepare its different dietary-restricted food items separate from one another, there is a possibility that ingredients may come into contact with one another is in the small kitchen facilities.

No. Consistent with our focus on living in a more environmentally conscious way, Arcosanti does not use plastic straws or sell bottled water. Using the artisan spring water on our grounds, we offer water by the glass as well as a dispenser to refill your water bottle.

On occasion. Selection and availability varies.

Yes. Arcosanti has been a subject of interest for the media for a number of years. We are happy to coordinate tours or interviews for visiting members of the press, bloggers, podcasters, and other legitimate media. Contact the Marketing and Communications Department at pr@arcosanti.org with your inquiry. Please include your contact information, deadline, and the publication/station/platform you represent.

Contact the Arcosanti Archives with your specific inquiry using as much detail as possible concerning the scope of your story/piece including your contact information; where your piece will be published or will be broadcast; the electronic format (pdf, jpeg, etc.) and desired resolution and/size of the images you’re requesting; and your deadline.

Any archival/historical images or materials received from the Arcosanti Archives are subject to conditions such as appropriately including photo credits and/or copyrights where applicable. Contact The Arcosanti Archives at archives@arcosanti.org.

Yes, the Press Room includes current and historical photography of Arcosanti, Cosanti, and Paolo Soleri as well as a brief history of these unique sites. Information on the organization’s leadership is included along with current press releases.