Paolo Soleri Amphitheater, Open-air theatre at Santa Fe Indian School, US.
Description
The Paolo Soleri Amphitheater is a curved concrete structure with a thrust stage and seating for around 650 people on the Santa Fe Indian School campus. The building features a sculptural shell-like form that integrates sloped pathways and creates a natural acoustic environment for performances.
History
The amphitheater was designed and built in 1970 by Italian architect Paolo Soleri using earth-forming construction methods on the campus. It operated for 40 years before closing in 2010 when maintenance became too expensive to sustain.
Culture
The venue played an important role in Native American arts education and hosted diverse musical performances that reflected the broader cultural life of Santa Fe. It served as a gathering place where different artistic traditions could be experienced and celebrated together.
Practical
The venue is no longer open to the public, though the building remains visible from the school grounds. The structure sits on a private campus, so access and viewing are limited to what can be seen from designated areas.
Did you know?
The structure was built entirely without steel, relying only on concrete and earth-forming techniques, a bold approach for a performance venue. This method reflected Soleri's experimental design philosophy that sought to merge natural forms with human spaces.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Santa Fe).
Loretto Chapel
3.1 km
San Miguel Mission
3 km
New Mexico State Capitol
2.8 km
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
3 km
De Vargas Street House
3 km
Lensic Theater
3 km
Santuario de Guadalupe
2.6 km
New Mexico History Museum
3.1 km
Santa Fe Farmers Market
2 km
Don Gaspar Historic District
2.5 km
Santa Fe Playhouse
2.9 km
Donaciano Vigil House
2.6 km
Lamy Building
3 km
New Mexico Supreme Court Building
2.9 km
The Screen
2.1 km
Santa Fe Children's Museum
2.8 km
Connor Hall
1.1 km
Don Gaspar Bridge
2.9 km
Gustave Baumann House
2.9 km
Gregorio Crespin House
2.9 km
Oldest House Museum
3 km
Carlos Vierra House
2.8 km
Dillon Hall
1.1 km
Old Santa Fe County Courthouse
3 km
El Museo Cultural
2 km
Judge Steve Herrera Judicial Complex
2.6 km
Five & Dime General Store
3.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes