My wife and I made a weekend trip to Bentonville, Arkansas for a short getaway. On our last day we ventured up to nearby Bella Vista and checked out the “Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel.” A non-denominational wedding chapel. Hit the link above for more information. Check here for historical information on who Mildred B. Cooper was.
It was designed by E. Fay Jones along with his partner Maurice Jennings. Jones also designed the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs and the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel near Kansas City, Missouri. I’ve been fortunate enough to see both chapels. Hit the links for my blog posts on those structures. Jones was an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright and the architecture school at the University of Arkansas bears his name, the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.
The Cooper Chapel is like the others. It is light, airy, and appears to float in the air. There are fifteen main arches, each 50 feet tall. In all 31 tons of steel were used and support 4640 square feet of glass.
It is open to the public every day unless it is booked for an event.
It sits on a wooded knoll high above a lake. It is an incredible structure.
I’m linking with Our World Tuesday
Linda iglesia te mando un beso
It looks quite relaxing.
Coffee is on and stay safe
I was curious about who she was so I clicked on your link, sounds like she was extremely important, no wonder they built a chapel in her honour
Beautiful.
Gorgeous architecture!
I remember you posting pics of a similar chapel some time ago. All I can say is “stunning”. I bet weddings are exceptionally beautiful there.
I did not know this architect nor the existence of this building. It is an incredible work and a finesse in the forms quite exceptional. I will inform myself more on the links that you propose. Thank you very much
Fay Jones explored several design concepts with his chapels. Thorncrown is constructed of wood while the Cooper chapel is steel. Cooper chapel is a great photo opportunity year round. Spring brings the lush green foliage. fall brings the colors of changing leaves and winter presents the possibility of snow and a special photo is just waiting to be taken. I have taken numerous photos around Lake Norwood, which is in the background and beyond the forest surrounding the chapel. Glad you got to visit our corner of the world.
Very pretty chapel and one of the most unusual constructions I have see. Must be a peaceful chapel to sit in.You welcome to join us on Inspired Sunday
Such a lovely picture of your wife and what absolutely magical architecture. It would be a privilege to wed there!
It’s absolutely stunning. A perfect chapel for a wedding, but also just for a visit, meditation, whatever. So lovely. Another place I wish we’d known about when we were in Arkansas.
I have never seen anything quite like this chapel. It is breathtaking! Thanks for the history.
A magnificent chapel!
I would love to spend a few quiet moments with The Lord there.
Awesome chapel and gorgeous photos ~ lovely and beautiful wife ~ Xo
Living in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
What an architectural beauty! I love that it lets Nature inside.