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    James Turrell ASU Skyspace

    4.7 (12 reviews)

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    The light effect is more stark when photographed than when viewed in person. Both are nice.
    Adina H.

    I am on a mission to see as much James Turrell art while I visit Arizona. This was a superb experience. I enjoy most artwork that are meditations on light, as light, whether divine or human created, is responsible for some of the most magical experiences on this earth. I like that the artist is combining both in this piece. As the sun sets, the man made steel frames the clear sky. The colors shift while simultaneously the sky's colors shift. It is very beautifully designed.

    Exterior at sundown
    Karen W.

    Skyscape is a serene installation between Rural Rd and the ASU Biodesign Institute by James Turrell. As an "Investigation into light and perception" it is unique in that each visit will be different due to the overhead manmade lighting interacting with natural ambient lighting. We went towards dusk and the open ceiling was a warm brownish yellow shade with a bit of an ombre effect. The open ceiling also highlights the sky, framing it as if it is a portrait. Our visit here allowed us to gaze at the moon from the sky of a rapidly setting sun. The one negative about this space is that the location, being close to a major road and always open to the public, allows for a lot of detritus to accumulate in that space. When we sat down to admire the sky, there were numerous papers littered on the floor as well as a discarded drink can.

    Entrance
    Monica E.

    This structure was co-constructed by the famed American environmental artist James Turrell. I had the good fortune to learn about Turrell and his work while in Houston during a visit to the Live Oak Friends Meeting space. The community is home to one of Turrell's skyspace structures, which are architectural design built in the form of rooms. Turrell's masterpiece is in introducing carved out sections and, with the presence of light light, forces the viewers' eyes upward and outward into the day or night sky. In doing this, and given the grandeur of the space, Turrell is attempting a balance of light and perception. The visual effect is stunning and visceral. At ASU, Skyspace: Air Apparent exemplifies Turrell's investigations of light and perception. The space is open 24/7 to members of the public, and is best visited right before sunrise and sunset. An exact physical address for the site does not exist, but it is west of Rural Road on the north end of Terrace Avenue. Surrounded by desert gardens, this is the perfect location for a meditation or silent lunch. The space is best enjoyed in silence. Unfortunately, it is located near a busy street, and it is at times difficult to drown out the sound. But it is perfectly suitable for a meditation. Considered this a sacred and respected space. Sadly, on my first visit I found lots of cigarette butts and empty cigarette containers inside the space. That sort of thing is so saddening. This is a precious public space and should be treated as such.

    Faith A.

    Overlooked gem in the valley! I first heard about James Turrell's "Air Apparent" aka "Skyspace" during one of my Landscape Architecture classes. I thought it was interesting but not something I had to go see. One day I was on campus near sunset and I figure that I would check it out since I had some time to kill before my next class. It's amazing! I visit anytime I'm in the area during sunset. It's a different experience each visit. Don't let bad weather deter your visit. I feel it's even more spectacular during a storm.

    Shawn P.

    James Terrel Skyspaces ASU is perfect mixture of art, nature and architecture. The best time to view this piece of art is 30 minutes before sunrise or 30 minutes before sunset any day. There isn't exactly parking right next to this so park as close as you can or you can always walk or bike up to this wonder. Colors change seamlessly from purple to yellow to green and others. A visual masterpiece on a sunny day or cloudy day... Inside or out.

    The aperture through Turrel's sky space at ASU.
    Michael K.

    Amazing. One of the best Turrel pieces I've seen, and this one is available 24 / seven. I spent about an hour there at dusk, two nights in a row. I was surprised that only two people came the first night, and the second I had it all to myself. That was fine, but this is an artwork that will really change your perception of the sky. I hope more people will discover it. It's free to visit, and it is a very soothing, meditative experience.

    Colors immediately before sunset time
    Laura Y.

    I'm amazed such a wonderful piece by one of this country's most important living artists is casually found in the midst of the ASU campus and that it's open 24/7 and completely free and open to the public. Kudos to those who made this happen! Known as "Air Apparent" this piece from 2012 is wonderful to sit in during sunset. We arrived about 15 minutes before based off the other Yelp reviews and were the only ones there. Exactly at sunset, the lights began to change color, starting with a magenta pink, and proceeded to change into beautiful purples, blues, greens, and oranges over the course of the 30 minutes or so were were there. Watch as the juxtaposition between the colored frame and the sky change your perception of the color of the sky - sometimes dark and stormy looking, other times vividly vibrant and blue. We were the only ones there on a Monday night (Memorial Day). Although you can sometimes hear the sound of cars rushing by, it was generally a very peaceful experience. Turrell is one of my favorite artists and I'm so excited to have seen this work during my very short stay in Phoenix. The piece is on campus, so if you are driving there like we were, there is a parking lot directly south of the piece. Drive by the piece on the right, continue past the security booth and the lot is on the left. Cost is $3 for one hour (M-F) until 11pm. Well worth it to see such a beautiful work! If you don't have a car, there is a light rail station and bus stop nearby.

    Keo N.

    Certainly a great effort in making this piece of art work. The structural system in supporting the skyscape is very sophisticated. Visit this installation at dusk and stay till it gets darker. The magic hour is after the sun sets.

    Just before sunrise. One of the many colors you'll see!

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    Review Highlights - James Turrell ASU Skyspace

    The best time to view this piece of art is 30 minutes before sunrise or 30 minutes before sunset any day.

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    James Turrell ASU Skyspace - landscapearchitects - Updated August 2026

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