The back side of the world-famous Mushroom House in North Boulder—an architectural marvel with a surprising Hollywood connection.

Tucked into the hills of North Boulder, the Mushroom House is one of Colorado’s most eccentric and beloved architectural landmarks. Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day offers a rare view of the backside of the Mushroom House, revealing just how beautifully it blends into the surrounding rocks and trees. From this angle, the structure feels like a natural extension of the hillside—an organic outgrowth of imagination, architecture, and Boulder’s creative spirit.

Also known as the Brenton House, this surreal home looks like something straight out of a science fiction film—and fittingly, it is. The Mushroom House had a brush with Hollywood fame when it appeared in Woody Allen’s 1973 sci-fi comedy Sleeper. Its otherworldly curves, futuristic concrete shell, and pod-like design made it the perfect dystopian dream home. Since then, it has become a pop culture curiosity and an architectural icon.

The home was designed in the 1960s by Charles Haertling, a visionary Boulder architect known for blending modernism with natural forms. Haertling drew inspiration from fungi, plants, and even seashells to create his signature organic style. The Mushroom House is perhaps his most famous work—an example of biomorphic design that was far ahead of its time. With its dome-shaped roof, irregular curves, and embedded windows, the home feels like it grew from the earth rather than being built upon it.

Although it’s a private residence and not open to the public, the Mushroom House continues to capture the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. It can often be spotted by hikers on nearby trails or by those exploring the winding roads of North Boulder.

Boulder is a city known for its love of the unconventional. From solar-powered homes to straw-bale cottages, the town has long been a magnet for creative architecture. But the Mushroom House stands alone in its ability to blend whimsy, artistic vision, and function. It’s a testament to Boulder’s bold embrace of nature, creativity, and a little bit of weirdness.

If you’re visiting Boulder or simply exploring its architectural history, the Mushroom House is one of those must-see landmarks—whether viewed from afar or appreciated through the lens of a photographer. It remains one of the most unforgettable structures in all of Colorado.

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