- Attraction: Eisendrath House (Eisendrath Center for Water Conservation)
- Location: 1400 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://eisendrathhouse.org/
Rising from the rolling desert hills of Papago Park stands a remarkable testament to one woman’s determination to create her own paradise.
The Eisendrath House, lovingly known as the “pink house on the hill,” represents far more than stunning architecture—it embodies a powerful story of exclusion transformed into triumph.
Built in 1930 by Rose Eisendrath after she was refused entry to an Arizona resort simply for being Jewish, this 5,250-square-foot Pueblo Revival masterpiece became her defiant response to discrimination.T
oday, this meticulously restored National Historic landmark serves as both a window into Arizona’s early tourism era and an innovative center for water conservation education.
Historic Features & Highlights
Architectural Masterpiece: You’ll marvel at architect Robert T. Evans’ mastery of adobe construction, showcasing the largest and best-preserved Pueblo Revival structure in the Tempe area.
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Keep Exploring →The sophisticated craftsmanship elevates traditional desert materials into high-style elegance that inspired a revival of adobe architecture throughout the Salt River Valley.
Sweeping Valley Views: From the house’s elevated position, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the Salt River Valley and distant Superstition Mountains that captivated Rose Eisendrath nearly a century ago.
These breathtaking views explain why wealthy Chicagoans like Eisendrath chose this remote desert location for their winter retreats.
Restored Grandeur: The $4.3 million restoration brings the house back to its 1930s splendor, complete with period furniture, interpretive displays, and educational exhibits that tell the compelling story of its remarkable history and near-loss to decay.
Great Room: The magnificent Great Room with its impressive fireplace can accommodate up to 80 guests, showcasing the home’s original grandeur while serving modern functions as an event space.
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Discover MoreOutdoor Entertaining Spaces: You’ll discover three distinct terraces plus a walled courtyard featuring chocolate flagstone and the original fountain, perfect for understanding how wealthy winter visitors entertained in the desert.
Water Conservation Center: The house now serves a dual purpose as Arizona’s first water conservation center, offering interactive displays and educational programs that connect historical desert living with modern sustainability practices.
Atmosphere & Experience
Guided Tours: Knowledgeable docents lead you through fascinating stories of Rose Eisendrath’s life, the architect’s other famous works (including contributions to the Arizona Biltmore), and the dramatic rescue from near-demolition when the house served as an artist colony and even housed a marijuana operation.
Desert Setting: The house sits nestled in authentic Sonoran Desert landscape, allowing you to experience the isolation and beauty that drew wealthy winter visitors to Arizona’s frontier areas in the early 20th century.
Educational Environment: Interactive displays throughout the house teach about Jewish culture, artistic accomplishment, early Arizona tourism, and the environmental challenges facing the desert Southwest.
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Keep Exploring →Interpretive Galleries: Three gallery rooms feature rotating displays with period furniture and artifacts that bring the 1930s era to life while connecting past and present water conservation efforts.
Other Considerations
Seasonal Operations: Tours operate October through April, with the house closed during summer months for maintenance and to avoid extreme desert heat that even the wealthy winter visitors escaped.
Free Monthly Tours: Drop-in open house tours are available monthly at no charge, making this accessible for budget-conscious visitors interested in Arizona history.
Private Group Tours: Larger groups (11-20 people) can arrange private 60-90 minute tours led by museum guides, perfect for educational groups or family reunions.
Special Event Venue: The entire house and grounds can accommodate up to 300 guests for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations, with rental fees ranging from $700-2,500 depending on the space and duration.
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Discover MoreAccessibility: The house features a lift to the second floor and accessible parking, though some historic areas may present challenges for visitors with mobility considerations.
Adjacent Facilities: The SRP Water Education Facility on-site provides additional meeting space and hands-on learning opportunities about desert water conservation.
Reservation Required: All tours require advance booking through the Tempe History Museum, emphasizing the intimate, curated nature of the experience.
Photography Opportunities: The “pink house” and its desert setting provide numerous Instagram-worthy spots that capture both architectural beauty and sweeping desert vistas.
Eisendrath House
📍 1400 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288
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