Water Tower Wonderland

$5 Suggested donation
Museum open 11am-3pm, Thurs-Monday

At one point Mendocino boasted over 100 water towers and was known as the “town of water towers.” Discover the beauty, ingenuity, and architecture of these iconic structures in the Kelley House Museum’s summer exhibit, “Water Tower Wonderland.” Using historic photographs, original pieces from local artists, and small-scale models, the exhibit explores the majesty and functionality of many well-known towers, including several still standing and many that aren’t, including a 3 foot model of the Kelley House’s original 1879 water tower. On display will be renderings of Mendocino water towers in several media, with serigraphs by Anne Kendall Foote and Bill Zacha, a quilt square by Dee Goodrich, and a linocut by Emmy Lou Packard. The Kelley House has also been working closely with the Mendocino High School for this exhibit and will show pastels and architectural models made by students. Exhibit runs June 8th – September 18th, 2023

Poster art credit: Aiden Cruz-Alcantar, Mendocino High School student

For further reading, pick up a copy of the Kelley House Publication, Water Towers and Windmills of Mendocino.

Want to sleep in a water tower? Check out local  water tower lodging.

Check out the water tower merchandise in our store, including this amazing new tote bag adorned with Mendo towers.

Water Tower Poster featuring water tower artwork
mendocino water towers video promo

Mendocino Water Towers from 1880-2023. Video by Bob Dominy.