Painted Desert Community Complex
The Painted Desert Community Complex encompasses 23 buildings, sites and structures that make up a self-contained desert community.
Plan Around Painted Desert Community Complex
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Painted Desert Community Complex Details
The Painted Desert Community Complex is about one mile from the edge of the Painted Desert near l-40. The complex, designed by architects Richard Neutra and Robert Alexander in 1958, encompasses 23 buildings, sites and structures that make up a self-contained desert community. Designed to function as the park's headquarters, construction on the project began in 1961 and the buildings were dedicated in 1963. The entire complex has been deemed a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Architect Richard Neutra was well known for his modernist buildings, and he was hired by the NPS as part of the Mission 66 agency-wide building effort, meant to help national parks better cope with increased visitor numbers during the park system's 50th anniversary in 1966. The now commonplace idea of a visitor center within each park resulted from Mission 66, and the Painted Desert Community Complex was one of the agency's most ambitious projects. Inspired by traditional Southwestern pueblos, the midcentury modern complex has as its focal point a central plaza. Visitors to Petrified Forest National Park can schedule a guided tour of the complex by contacting the park in advance.
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Nearby Parks Around Painted Desert Community Complex
Compare nearby parks around Painted Desert Community Complex when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Painted Desert Community Complex
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Painted Desert Community Complex while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Petrified Forest National Park
The Late Triassic period may have occurred 225 million years ago, but it comes to life again at Petrified Forest National Park.
0.0 mi away
Petrified Forest National Park
The Late Triassic period may have occurred 225 million years ago, but it comes to life again at Petrified Forest National Park.
0.1 mi away
North Entrance Station
The North Entrance Station for Petrified Forest National Park is just north of Interstate 40 near the park's main visitor center.
0.1 mi away
Painted Desert Visitor Center
Just off Interstate 40 is the Painted Desert Visitor Center, in the north unit of the park.
0.3 mi away
Petrified Forest Road
Petrified Forest Road, the main park road, runs north-south for 28 miles from end to end.
