Discover the details of towering Jazz Age gems as you’ve never seen them before with digital artist Chris Hytha and skyscraper historian Mark Houser. The Phoenix Art Deco Society is proud to bring to our community this unique exhibit hosted inside the historic Luhr’s Tower. 

For the entire month of May, come see us inside the Art Deco Luhr’s Tower to view Chris Hytha’s traveling exhibit showcasing curated pieces of his collection that highlight southwestern influence on Art Deco design paired with a history exhibit on the Luhr’s family and the history of Phoenix in the 1920s and 1930s.  Also, learn about the history of Art Deco design and how it impacted more than the architecture of the 1920s and 1930s with examples of fashion, industrial design, music, and more.

See below for details on times and events happening in the pop-up exhibit. Do not miss our special presentation on the Luhr’s Tower and family legacy by author and skyscraper historian, Mark Houser. 

Want to sponsor the exhibit? Email Erin at erin@phoenixartdeco.org 

ABOUT THE HIGHRISES EXHIBIT:

Highrises showcases selected photographs from artist Chris Hytha’s collection of nearly 200 skyscrapers from across the United States. The prosperity of early 20th-century America resulted in a boom of skyscrapers that still tower over cities across the country today. Focusing on the character and craftsmanship on display at the top of these landmark buildings in a way that can’t be seen from street level, the Highrises Collection reveals fascinating details and stories of these distinctly American icons.

The Phoenix exhibit features several pieces of Hytha’s collection that showcase iconic Art Deco highrises and Art Deco gems that are influenced by Hispanic, Indigenous, and Spanish design from across the country. The Luhr’s Tower stands proudly as Arizona’s most notable Art Deco skyscraper.

Accompanying each Highrise is a short narrative of how it came to be, who were the major personalities involved, and what it meant to the city where it was built. Highrises also are identified and sortable by city or region, year of opening, architectural style, and special attributes.

ABOUT THE LUHR’S LEGACY EXHIBIT:

The Art Deco Society has curated the history exhibit dedicated to the history of the Luhrs family, one of the state’s pioneer families that helped change rural Phoenix into the urban landscape that it is today. See photos and artifacts, and learn about the history of how Phoenix grew from the ground up in the 1920s.

ABOUT THE EVENTS:

EXHIBIT: Highrises: The Luhrs Legacy and Southwest Art Deco Influence

WHEN: Highrises: The Luhrs Legacy and Southwest Art Deco Influence is open to the public for the entire month of May on Thursdays-Sundays. Hours TBA.

WHERE: Luhr’s Tower – 2nd floor. More details TBA

COST: General admission $15. Art Deco Society Members get in for free on Thursdays and Fridays.

LUHR’S LEGACY LECTURE: Saturday, May 17th

We are excited to bring author and skyscraper historian Mark Houser to speak at the exhibit on the history of the Luhr’s Tower and how the Luhr family helped build up Phoenix in the city’s most pivotal years in this special lecture. Do NOT miss out on this unique presentation where we dig into Phoenix history during the Art Deco Era.

As an author, professional speaker, and award-winning journalist, Mark Houser has traveled far and wide in search of the world’s most amazing antique skyscrapers. A skilled researcher, he digs deep into these landmarks and the lives of the business tycoons, architects, and other personalities behind them. By sharing these stories, Mark helps audiences to appreciate marvels in their cities they may not have noticed before — and the risks and innovation represented by these “machines to make the land pay.”

WHEN: Saturday, May 17th

COST: TBA

We are looking for sponsors! Donate or partner with the Art Deco Society to help us create unforgettable experiences. Be a part of this unique exhibit for the community. Want to sponsor the exhibit? Email Erin at erin@phoenixartdeco.org