The design and construction of a solar chimney which was undertaken as part of a study on natural-circulation solar-energy dryers is reported. The experimental solar chimney consists of a 5.3 m high and 1.64 m diameter cylindrical polyethylene-clad vertical chamber, supported structurally by a steel framework and draped internally with a selectively absorbing surface. The performance of the chimney which was monitored extensively with and without the selective surface in place (to study the effectiveness of this design option) is also reported.