Beyond its natural draws, including the Grand Canyon, a variety of lakes and mountains, the Sonoran Desert and Sedona's famous red rocks, Arizona has built a reputation for manmade wonders.
From the ancient ruins constructed by Native Americans and the Old World structures influenced by the Spanish to the innovative designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and the contemporary works of Ralph Haver, Arizona's architecture is as diverse as the state itself, according to Marjorie Magnusson, spokesperson for the Arizona Office of Tourism.
"Pioneers, cowboys and early settlers brought a variety of styles with them and they adopted elements of those who were already here," she says. "Modern architects with access to worldwide ideas and styles are still much more influenced by Arizona's exhilarating landscapes and have left their mark with what can only be described as Arizonan."
Planners who incorporate visits or off-site gatherings at the following standout architectural gems can count on an interesting and memorable group itinerary.
1. Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Phoenix
Erected entirely of "Biltmore Block," made from on-site desert sand, and created in 34 different geometric patterns inspired by the trunk of a palm tree, the 82-year-old Arizona Biltmore has enjoyed a celebrated status as the only hotel in the world in the architectural style of America's most recognized architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
According to Alex A. Moro, the property's director of sales, it remains architecturally significant and has also become a symbol of grand hospitality recognized worldwide.
"Meetings and events take on an additional dimension for groups at the Arizona Biltmore," Moro says, explaining that gatherings of five to 2,400 are accommodated. "They enjoy the highest-quality meeting services and programs as well as top-notch facilities that are among the most extensive in the state, totaling more than 100,000 square feet."
Moro adds that groups convening here are also immersed in "a mystique and panache" not found at other resorts.
"This goes a long way in generating extra excitement and enthusiasm for meetings," he says, adding that U.S. presidents from Herbert Hoover on, as well as Hollywood celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, who enjoyed the Catalina Pool, have stayed at the property.
The hotel also conducts private group tours by appointment that are led by historians.
2. Taliesin West, Scottsdale
The architecture of Taliesin West, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's famous buildings, is its most unique element, according to Donna Yeaw, spokesperson for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Taliesin West.
"Wright termed his architecture as 'organic,' designing his structures to be 'of' the site," she explains. "The architecture grows out of the desert floor, making it become one with the surrounding landscape. Visitors experience a home whose rooms are connected by nature rather than indoor hallways."
For a smashing off-site gathering, Taliesin West is available for corporate and private evening events, according to Yeaw.
"Cocktails start the evening on the Sunset Terrace," she says. "Tours are offered to the guests as they await dinner, which may be served indoors or outside under the stars. It's truly a magical experience."
Group tours of Taliesin West, the late Wright's personal winter home and studio and a National Historic Landmark, are available throughout the year, Yeaw adds. Group bookings require a minimum of 15 guests with two weeks advance notice.
3. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale
The architecture of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is about contrasts—in material and textures, and roughness versus sophistication—according to Carolyn Robbins, the museum's curator of education, who says the museum was transformed from a five-plex movie theater into a flexible, appropriate space for contemporary art.
"The metallic surface reflects the environment and as you look up it seems to disappear into the sky," adds Will Bruder, the museum's architect, of the mirage-like exterior. "It's a different building, depending on the light and weather. It's like magic in its ability to change appearances."
Kasey Croxton, rental facilities manager for the Scottsdale Cultural Council, SMoCA's parent company, says SMoCA is an exceptional location for private receptions, lectures and other gatherings.
"With its elegant lobby, SMoCA is able to accommodate an evening cocktail reception for up to 300 people," she says, adding that guests may also enjoy browsing the museum's five galleries, and docents are available for personalized tours.
4. ASU (Arizona State University) Gammage, Tempe
Located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, ASU Gammage is a historic performance hall designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The 3,000-seat venue opened in 1964 and is currently one of the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world.
"One of the most unique things about Wright is he never dealt with squares or corners," says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director for ASU Gammage and assistant vice president for cultural affairs at the university. "The building was designed as a musical scale with quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes so nothing is perfectly symmetrical."
There are 27 different shades of terracotta in the building, with desert landscaping, Jennings-Roggensack adds, explaining that the two matching fountains in front of the performing arts venue are signature Wright features and serve as a comment that water in the desert, like the arts, is a source of nourishment.
"We have over 500,000 people come to Gammage each year, whether to attend a performance, hear a lecture, tour the building or attend other events," says Jennings-Roggensack, adding that the facility can be rented for group events. "We have had events ranging from large-scale corporate meetings with celebrities like Natalie Cole performing to dinners on the promenade."
5. Tlaquepaque, Sedona
The history and development of Tlaquepaque is attributed to Abe Miller, a successful Las Vegas developer who sought imperfection and famously directed his workers to "throw out the plumb and use your thumb," according to Wendy Lippman, general manager and resident partner.
"Tlaquepaque was a dream project for Abe," she says. "His concept was to create an artisan's village that had a living spirit and was a center for the community, much like what he saw in Mexico, especially Tlaquepaque outside Guadalajara."
Considered the "art and soul" of Sedona, Lippman adds, the Spanish Colonial-inspired Tlaquepaque, built in the 1970s, features a center road, a chapel, green houses, stores, restaurants and courtyards.
"One other great tidbit is the sycamore trees throughout the property," Lippman says, explaining that Miller promised to leave the trees untouched and built up the village around them. "So it is wonderful to walk around the property and see the sycamore penetrating through a gallery, literally, or a wall built around a sycamore, or a tree limb that is carefully leaning on a building."
Group tours of Tlaquepaque are available, and the venue can also accommodate a variety of private events for up to 100 people after 5 p.m.
"We work with the senses here," Lippman says. "While you are visiting you feel entirely relaxed and removed from wherever it is you came."
6. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Flagstaff
Riordan Mansion, built in 1904, was designed by architect Charles Whittlesey, who also designed El Tovar, a hotel in the Grand Canyon, the same year. Riordan Mansion was fashioned in the Arts and Crafts style, which utilizes the surrounding landscape in its architectural elements.
"Hence it looks like a large log cabin with native rock archways around the front doors," says Les Roe, spokesperson for the Arizona Historical Society, adding that the mansion can only be seen by guided tour.
"The tours go out on the hour and are limited to 15 people per tour," he says, adding that special group tours can be arranged by calling the park, preferably two weeks or more in advance, and a special group rate will be quoted at the time the reservation is made.
Riordan can be rented for private events. While the actual mansion is not open to parties or receptions involving food and drink, events can be held in the visitor center or in the courtyard.
7. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Tucson
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun began as a small construction project in the early 1950s and developed into a 10-acre National Historic District designed and built by acclaimed Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia, according to Susan Vance, spokesperson at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun.
"DeGrazia was an artist with a profound personal connection to Southwestern culture," Vance says. "His artwork reflects his concept of the native-built environment in somber paintings of remote Indian villages and forgotten history. The form, color and texture of his adobe buildings were an expression of his art and the region's architectural legacy."
While the facility isn't available for private events, free guided tours that last one to two hours can be scheduled, and there are picnic tables where groups can gather, Vance says.
"Meeting planners may want to give their groups a few hours to explore this legendary landmark of art and architecture in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains," she adds. "It's a very real Southwestern experience."
8. St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson
Founded in the late 1800s and renovated from 1966 to 1968 and again in early 2011, St. Augustine Cathedral, originally "The Chapel of the Royal Presidio of San Agustin in Tucson," is one of Tucson's most-photographed landmarks, according to the Metropolitan Tucson CVB.
The cathedral's elaborate cast stone facade is a treasure of sign and symbolism, according to the CVB, including the coat of arms of Pope Pius XI, the pontiff at the time of the facade's construction.
On the cathedral campus, facilities are available for meetings, conferences and receptions, including the outdoor Placita courtyard, which accommodates 400 guests and features a wrought-iron-decorated bandstand, and Parish Hall, with seating for up to 300 people.
