10/01/2025
Recently listed, the Spiral Jetty is significant in Art and Landscape Architecture at the national level. Created in 1970 by American artist Robert Smithson, Spiral Jetty is an exceptionally significant example of twentieth century Land Art (aka Earth Art). The large-scale earthwork project consisted of a 1500’ long, 15’ wide, basalt and soil, spiral-shaped jetty laid on the nearshore lakebed of the Great Salt Lake. Although originally intended to be in the water, because of fluctuations in lake levels the project now rests on the dry lakebed, yet it still retains sufficient integrity to convey its historic character. Designed as an entropic landscape susceptible to changes in appearance with fluctuating atmospheric and lake conditions, the Spiral Jetty was always intended by the artist as an evolving artwork. Recognized locally, regionally, and nationally, the remote artwork and its creator, have been the subject of considerable scholarly documentation and appreciation. Robert Smithson is considered by art scholars to be one of the most influential postwar artists in the United States and the Spiral Jetty and its accompanying film and essay represent the artist's most noteworthy masterwork representing an iconic example of the mid-twentieth century Land Art genre. The Land Art or Earthworks movement that first began in the 1960s, drew considerable attention during the 1960s and 1970s. The nomination provides sufficient scholarly evidence of the Utah project’s exceptional place in the early movement. Period of significance: 1970
https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2307494
https://ushpo.utah.gov/
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Photos 1-2 Spiral Jetty current view, Photo 3 Spiral Jetty in 1970.