Welcome to Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village in Simi Valley, California, a truly unique and magical place that you won’t find anywhere else. As we begin our tour, let your imagination take you back in time to the 1950s when Tressa “Grandma” Prisbrey created this extraordinary village using nothing but recycled materials, most notably thousands of bottles.

Bottle Village was Grandma Prisbrey’s way of expressing her creativity and resourcefulness while showcasing the power of upcycling before it was a trend. She built the entire village by herself, one bottle at a time, transforming an old walnut grove into a whimsical wonderland.

The structures in Bottle Village are as impressive as they are surprising. You’ll find unique sculptures made from cement and colorful bottles, such as the bottle-filled gazebo, the famous “Wedding Chapel,” and the glass-bottle tribute to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Each structure is a testament to Grandma Prisbrey’s dedication and artistic vision.

But Bottle Village isn’t just about its physical structures – it also holds cultural significance as an example of American folk art, which often tells the story of people making the best out of limited resources. It has been featured in various art exhibitions and even inspired a book by photographer Robert Sobieszek.

As you walk through Bottle Village, take note of the small details that make this place so special – like the bottle cap wind chime, or the tiny bottle-encased doors on many buildings. You’ll also notice that some structures are built around old objects, such as a wheelbarrow and even an old car!

This magical village is a symbol of hope, creativity, and resilience – all qualities Grandma Prisbrey embodied throughout her life. Today, Bottle Village stands as a reminder of one woman’s determination to turn ordinary materials into something extraordinary, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire people around the world.

As we explore this enchanting village, let your mind wander back in time and imagine the tireless effort Grandma Prisbrey put into every single structure, creating an enduring testament to her artistic vision and resourcefulness. So, enjoy your journey through Bottle Village – a place where the impossible becomes possible with just a little bit of creativity and determination.