The Salk Institute Self-Guided Tours

Visitors are welcome during normal business hours, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Institute is closed to visitors on weekends and several holidays. Closure information is available at www.salk.edu/visit. 

Please note:
Online reservations are required to visit the Salk campus. We recommend making reservations prior to your visit. 

Once you have completed the form below, you will receive an email confirmation of your reservation. 

The Salk Institute has been described as one of the most significant architectural sites in the United States and has garnered accolades for its design and preservation. Salk’s original buildings, designed by preeminent American architect Louis Kahn in collaboration with founder Jonas Salk in the early 1960s, were declared a historical landmark in 1991. However, with more than 40,000 visitors each year, the wear and tear on the historic buildings—which also remain active laboratory and administrative spaces—is significant. Ensuring we maintain the extraordinary experience for visitors, employees and scientists today and in the future requires the Salk Institute to actively work preserving the architectural integrity and heritage of this landmark. Please consider making a donation to the Salk Institute Conservation program.

Thank you for your support—we look forward to seeing you! FAQ

The Salk Institute Conservation and Preservation Program

Launched in 2017 to support preservation and restoration efforts, the Salk Institute Conservation Program works to ensure Salk has essential resources to address current and future conservation needs.  The admission fee directly support activities funded as part of Salk’s Conservation Program. For example, the Institute recently identified a need to address the existing degradation and reduce the rate of future deterioration of the buildings’ concrete, which functions as a major visual element of the buildings; it is inseparable from Salk’s character and spatial qualities. A recent grant from the Getty Foundation’s Keeping it Modern Initiative has allowed Salk to implement concrete conservation activities. In addition to the grant, any donations generated go to support the preservation of Salk Institute's historic architecture.