Joshua Tree Retreat Center: Historic Lloyd Wright Site Presentation and Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Institute of Mentalphysics, known as the "Joshua Tree Retreat Center," was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as a historic district, and features the largest collection in the world of buildings designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Architectural historians and architects who worked with Lloyd Wright’s son will give an in-depth presentation on the Institute's collaboration with Lloyd Wright, his designs for the retreat center, and Organic Architecture. A panel discussion and Q&A will follow, after which guests can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the property.

Discover the story of Edwin J. Dingle, founder of the Institute of Mentalphysics, and his 1941 vision that led him to the desert. Hearing a voice proclaiming, “The desert will bloom like a rose,” he sought to build a city aligned with earth's ley lines to foster a deep connection to the land. Though Frank Lloyd Wright was initially involved, he passed the project to his son, Lloyd Wright, after clashing with Dingle.

Guests will check in at the Sanctuary Building for the expert-led presentation and Q&A. Afterwards, they can enjoy a self-guided tour along Silk Road, visiting the Water Terrace, Ridge Cottages, Amphitheatre, Caravansary, and Friendship Hall.

A vegetarian buffet lunch is included, with a voucher issued to each ticket holder for use that day. Lunch is served in the café, not during the presentation, and can be enjoyed either after the presentation or after the self-guided tour. The café and the grounds remain open until 4:00 PM.

https://jtrcc.org/

$75

Things To KnowAges 13 and older
Indoor and outdoor activity
Limited wheelchair accessibility
Pets and animals not permitted
Photography permitted at discretion of host
No outside food or drinks
Walking activity with exterior and/or interior steps
Restrooms are available
Early arrival for check-in required
Large purses, bags, and backpacks discouraged
No smoking or e-cigarettes

Important InformationPlease plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time slot.
This event is a seated presentation and after a self-guided walking tour.
Much of the walking is outdoors. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are highly recommended.
Please park in the main guest parking and check-in at the Sanctuary.
The grounds will be open until 4:00 PM to accommodate self-guided tour guests. A buffet-style vegetarian lunch is included in the ticket price, on-site in the Food for Thought Café, a historic building designed by Lloyd Wright. Lunch may be enjoyed before or after the presentation; the café closes at 4:00 PM.
The organizer of this event is Joshua Tree Retreat Center.

Check-in Location Institute of Mentalphysics, Joshua Tree Retreat Center
59700 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Joshua Tree, CA 92252View Map

Photo Credits: Bill Leatart{"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}