Such a wonderful experience coming here! For those interested in architecture, design, and/or art this place is a gem! Reservations are required so make sure you pick a time and day that works for you. Starting in June, admission prices will be $10 or $7 for students and military veterans. There is no parking lot, but street parking is available. I would say to give yourself about a 20-30 minute cushion to find parking and then walk over to the institute. The staff here are very helpful and accommodating. There are security guards on patrol, but they are also very nice and welcoming as long as you don't go over the top with your Instagram pics. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

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STUNNING. Who knew an institute could be the perfect runway for Luis Vuitton?! They hosted LV for a fashion show in Spring 2022. There has got to be something special about the ambiance, landscape, view, and architecture! Let me show you! The place is NOT open to the public unless you have reservations. Parking is free if you can find a spot at the institute. Check in with front and get your access band, and then you are on your merry way to explore and take photos. It is an institute and there are a ton of researchers working - do not disturb the peace as I did. Security be watching folks like a hawk so be mindful and respectful of the rules. I got lost in the architecture and went in the building (curious yet unintentionally) - my bad. And then reescorted back to ground zero. However, at times I felt like I was encapsulated in a scary movie. Quiet, weird building architecture, no people around except a bird here and there. Then It felt so peaceful and you ask yourself "where the heck am I?!" Pictures don't do justice but videos do. read more

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Tranquil symmetric architecture, a pleasing fusion of Brutalism and the International style that has aged gracefully and still feels ultra contemporary despite opening in 1965. Salk Institute does medical and biological research and it should be the benchmark for how hospitals, doctor offices, etc.. are designed in the US. Those places are normally terribly depressing and uninviting, affecting the mental state of patients and the people who work there. Jonas Salk was gifted this land right next to the ocean in La Jolla. He was the inventor of the Polio vaccine and did not patent it because it was for the benefit of humanity and famously declared "would you patent the sun?" when asked who owned the patent. He chose Louis Kahn as the architect to make a functional and beautiful research center "worthy of a visit by picasso". The labs and housing are mirrored across a center channel of water flowing toward the ocean. They are set at a seemingly odd angle because every window has a view of the ocean. The concrete slabs are molded in large molds held together with form-ties giving the walls the same iconic grid of holes that are on Tadao Ando concrete buildings. It is closed to public because of covid and security is pretty intense with black polo shirts, khakis, and earpieces. Very military-like and you may get turned away so only worth the risk if you are really into architecture. read more

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We were fortunate enough to take an architectural tour the the Salk Institute before the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides the amazing research that happens here, the buildings and grounds themselves are amazing. World-renowned architect Louis I. Kahn designed the research facility with two six-story mirror-image structures that flank a grand travertine courtyard (see my photo). The structures were built of poured-in-place concrete, teak, lead, glass, and steel.  Overall, the architecture is impressive ... a unique work of art ... and IMHO an architectural masterpiece read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Travertine marble courtyard with River of Life in center, overlooking Pacific Ocean - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

NOTE: It is no longer free to visit :( Due to all the tourist foot traffic, they've started to charge a $7.50 "restoration" fee to help keep the grounds in tip-top shape. You can pay online and the entry fee is good all day between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm PST. Keep in mind this is a working lab first and a spectacular tourist attraction second :) In my opinion, no trip to the Torrey Pines area is complete without a stop at the Salk Institute. The architecture is stunning, especially in the fall when the sun sets before they close the gates at 5:00pm - you can grab spectacular shots of the gorgeous sunset splashing its warm rays over the modern structures. During the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, the sun perfectly aligns with the main water feature dividing the courtyard, so if you happen to be in the area, it's a must see! read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Main courtyard looking out over the Pacific - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

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So disappointing! Came here to admire the architecture but was told to leave by the security as I was no allowed to take photos. Odd considering people have had "photo shoots" here and I am by no means a professional photographer. What a shame. read more

Photographers, this is the spot to be at! It is such an aesthetically pleasing spot to take pictures and soak in the view. Salk Institute is affiliated with UC San Diego, so it's a short drive from the main campus. You can only walk up to the end of the pool, so there's not too much to see, but the pictures are worthwhile. There were a decent amount of people when I arrived, but I was still able to snag some good pictures. The first action to take, if you want to enter, is to rebook a reservation online on their website. The price is $7.50 (as of May '19) to enter, think of it as a donation to the prized work that they do at this facility. Students with their school id can enter for free, just show your identification to the guard at the entrance. Street parking is available on Salk Institute Rd. The parking lot is reserved for the researchers and staff at this facility. Worth it? Hell yeah. I really wanted sunset photos here, but the sunsets around 8pm and the space closes around 5pm. At least, I'll be back next time when the sun sets at an earlier time! read more

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This is a beautiful place, great architecture and if you want some pretty pictures it's def a place to see. Located right next to the ocean with a fast excess to the beach you can book a tour before/after read more

Absolutely fascinating and really worthwhile. It's a very easy walking tour of a most remarkable and beautiful facility. It's been there for long enough (50+ years) that it's easy to ignore. But if you can spare 90 minutes you won't regret it. It was a very interesting lesson in history, architecture and design blended into a terrific presentation by our docent. I don't want to get all rapturous about it. Just sign up and go. Totally worth the few dollars it costs. Afterwards you can head over to the glider port and see more of nature -- and maybe go for a ride. read more

It's a beautiful building by the great architect Louis Kahn. I would have loved to walk the space but unfortunately due to COVID it's closed. Such a bummer since it was a drive but the building is amazing when the sun sets! read more

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Definitely worth the trip just to look at the architecture. Very clean and futuristic. Parking is a bit of a hassle since you have to park along the street, and it is only open to visitors during normal business hours. You have to check in with the security guard first to get a pass to walk around and it is usually really quiet once you are in the courtyard. read more

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It's closed to the public -- don't waste your time coming here. I tried calling and the message states that they don't know when it'll open back up. read more

Came here to do a photoshoot! The architecture of this place is pretty amazing! Came here on a Sunday so sadly the main portion was closed to the public unless you work there but we still managed to get a ton of good shots! There's a lot of places you can still go to here even if you come on Sunday! But I'd definitely recommend coming on any other day other than Sunday so you can get the whole experience! I guess they also have events here sometimes too. Haven't gotten to experience that yet tho. If you're looking for an interesting place to do photoshoots at then come here! Definitely a place I'll recommend. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - A picture from my photoshoot! My IG tag is Officially_Leoo if you want to see more photos from this place! - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

Buy tickets before you go! I had no idea they charge for entrance but it's a small fee and kids under 12 are free! Oh my goodness! This place is one of those amazing picture taking spots that San Diego has to offer. The symmetry on those buildings is nothing but perfect! While it's just geometrically designed with a lot of thought in mind, it became a running playground for my kids, sometimes it's the simple things that make kids have the best of their time, and they definitely did NOT want to leave, but we had to as I had to run to an appointment in the nearby area. Love it here! read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Perfect symmetry for perfect pictures! - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

I just recently got to visit this place and it is absolutely gorgeous! Jonas Salk (who developed the vaccine for polio) wanted to establish a research center in that would continue his vision of helping people through the miracle of science so he hired architect Louis Kahn to design a campus so beautiful that it would be, in his words, "worthy of a visit by Picasso." I think we can safely say that Louis Kahn succeeded in that goal when the campus was completed in 1965. I walked through the gate, where a helpful guard gave me some useful tips about the site, and approached the complex which is striking in both its monumentality and elegance. There's something about these buildings built in the Brutalist style that are somehow modern yet ancient at the same time. They were built for scientific research, yet there's a mystical and ethereal quality that seems to transcend the mortal realm. There's just a temple-like atmosphere that pervades the space that I noticed while sitting down on a bench behind the fountain that runs through the middle of the courtyard and seemingly stretches beyond the horizon towards the Pacific Ocean. Just as the Mayans built temples and palaces to their gods so long ago in the Yucatán, it feels like Louis Kahn was able to build a temple to science right here in Southern California. I don't have much else to say than to check it out! It's definitely worth your time and exploration. read more

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Not worth driving here to see the view. I was told I cannot take pictures for the stairways. Only the center foyer. Security was ok when he approached me. Not following me around like others says. But over all, I don't think it worth the ticket to come see this place. read more

They do amazing work and truly do what they do with passion. I was at the Salk Symphony which is an amazing evening of music and camaraderie. Catered by Pamplemousse as always and they food is delicious The sliders are the best though as well as the mound of chocolate dessert. Classy event for a great cause! read more

I came here on an event and it was beautiful and mostly on a sunset. Amazing. Would love to visit again and see more of this amazing architecture.. is it open for public? Hmmm read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Favorite spot for photography. Their hours changed to be open till 5:30pm and only on weekdays which is great to get that sunset shot. Unfortunately they are still renovating it so it doesn't look as pretty. Lovely view of the water in La Jolla. You can take pictures with a DSLR just can't be taking anything that looks like a photoshoot where people are dressed super nice. You can where casual clothes though and take pictures. They don't mind. But don't be wearing something fancy and having someone take pictures of you cause security is always walking around. You have to go through the front gate and they'll give you a visitor pass. There's no charge and theres street parking right next to it. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

This review is only about photography. I enjoy the Salk Institute as a photographic subject because it looks completely different according to the time of day, time of year and whether it is overcast or not. I recommend going when there are few or no people in the courtyard and using wide angle lenses. I've had great results using a 14-24mm lens on a full frame camera and a 10.5mm fisheye and a 12-24mm lens on a crop sensor camera. Even though the building may seem simplistic or repetitive in design there are quite a few interesting compositions possible there. The fact that it is not open at sunrise or sunset is unfortunate. I was lucky enough to be allowed to shoot there the day after the vernal equinox a few years ago. That is the image uploaded. For sure one of the more interesting architectural subjects in San Diego. Highly recommended. Here is my gallery of images: www.pbase.com/amoxtli/salk_institute read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Sunset, Salk Institute, March 22, 2011 - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

Came here on a Saturday without really an research or preparation, and discovered it's closed to the public on weekends. In any case we were mulling around outside when a researcher/student appeared in one of the locked entrances, and was nice enough to let us come in and take a few pictured from the inside (YAY Private showing of the Salk Institute)! There are some interesting lines to photograph, and i can imagine sunsets are incredible from inside the walls, but alas, were were there for just a few fleeting moments 7 hours from the next sunset... In any case, the only irritation was the very over zealous security guard barking out all kinds of nonsense about not standing here, not taking pictures there, etc., etc., etc.. Whomever is paying this guy to "enforce" the "guidelines" of the Salk security policy, is truly getting their money's worth. read more

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I work right across the street from Salk and have always heard great things about the little cafeteria here. So when my coworker asked me where i want to go for lunch, i replied with "SALK!" The cafe is a little hard to find b/c it's in the south west corner of the building, kind of tucked away near the edge, but everyone here is very nice and friendly so when in doubt, ask around! and If you don't work here the parking can be a bit of a pain, but you can always park in the east lot across the street and the front desk will validate 2 hrs of parking for you. I ordered a large container of turkey chili for $3 and they're not stingy with their crackers so that's a definite plus! Sat outside facing the ocean and the entire meal was so relaxing. (and the turkey chili tasted amazing in case you were wondering) Before we came back to work, my coworker decided to show me why this is an "architectural marvel" Apparently one day of the year, the sun will set right in the MIDDLE of the courtyard! Would be pretty cool to witness but a beautiful view on a regular day! read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Just imagine a sun setting right in the middle of the building - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

Stopped here on our way to La Jolla Cove. We didn't take the free architecture tour that people recommend but still got to walk around. The buildings are really nice built. The view is amazing and great for pictures! I'm sure if you are into design or architecture, you will definitely appreciate this place more than I do. I do recommend to stop by if you can! There is plenty of free parking. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I have worked literally 2 blocks from the Salk Institute for the past year and have never gone to look at it. Until my cousin, who's an architect, came for Thanksgiving and insisted that the Salk Institute is an icon of American architecture and that we had to visit. Thank you, Joe!! The tour is conducted work days at noon. You sign up on line and the send you and email confirming that you are in the tour.. http://www.yelp.com/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.salk.edu%2Fabout%2Farchitecture_tours.html&s=cee22c24f8559296b56d0084cbdb8c704570b6ce37ea3be4d710ade45a463c61. We heard back within the hour for a same day tour. The price is the best of all prices -- free. The tour is great. (Apparently if you're an architect it is extraordinary.) Lasts about an hour with lots of info about Salk and Louis Kahn, the architect. Our guide, Conrado, is an architect and explained all the sorts of things that I would not have noticed. I now have a new stop to add to the tour when friends and relatives visit. So where's the fifth star? The 60 minute tour is about 10 minutes too long and 15 percent too detailed for a general audience. Or to be more precise, it was just a tad too long and too detailed for me. read more

As a photographer and fan of architecture, Salk Institute has been on my list of places to experience for quite some time. I was finally able to get there while vacationing in San Diego with my family in October 2017. I didn't bring my DSLR and other gear in with me because the light wasn't great when I visited (11:00 AM). Besides, this place has been photographed to death by everybody and his brother. I've heard from several sources that photographing the premises is permissible as long as you're not using it as a backdrop for family/senior/maternity/engagement portrait sessions. Maybe if I had visited during better light I would have succumbed to the temptation to bring my gear, but I was content to just look around. I did snap and edit the obligatory symmetrical shot with my iPhone on the way out (attached). As many others have stated, parking is rough. The visitor lot is usually full, as is street parking for a good quarter mile on either side of the Institute. After many passes over about 20 minutes we never did find a spot. My family wasn't as interested as me to see it so I had my wife just drop me off and drive around while I did my thing. The entrance is guarded by a friendly employee that will give you a visitor's badge and go over the ground rules. Just be a respectful guest and stick to the approved visitor areas and enjoy this wonderfully designed, quiet space. read more

During my years at UCSD, there wasn't a place I went to more than the Salk Institute. In between classes, after classes, lunch time, etc. This place was somewhat of a spiritual and therapeutic place for me. This is not exactly a tourist destination, unless you're an architecture student. But if you're in the area, why not stop by? Just walk into the courtyard, and take your time observing the architecture of the place; simple yet profound. Look down the center and follow the line of water. The sky and the ocean walled by the staggered line of the buildings. There's a zen-like feel here. On a typical blue sky sunny day, the water really seems to just drain out into the ocean. Follow the water as it drops down to the lower level. Down there, there are tables where you can sit and enjoy your lunch. I used to love sitting there and watching the paragliders out in the distance lazily glide back and forth, back and forth... Okay, enough reminiscing. Bring your camera and try the unusual angles too. Just make sure they'll be open; I tried to visit on a weekend last time and was locked out. If you're coming to La Jolla, check this place out and maybe the gliderport just across the street before heading down to the beaches and the downtown area. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

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UPDATE: Make sure if they are still renovating because they gated the whole place. I love this place so much even though its a research place. The reason I love it is the view they have overlooking the ocean. I swear I was here for multiple hours trying to get that perfect picture. This place is what I like to call a photographers dream background! Its like whenever you take a picture, it just looks so magical and how it makes the picture come about. Nowadays, all you need is your phone to take the great picture you're looking for but if you want to be fancy you can bring your DSLR! I mean if you want to be even more fancy, you can take your prom pictures just for the background HAHA! At the time I was there, it was very soothing and the weather was perfect as usual. I would also like to mention that this place is an attraction and you would see people coming in and out. So if you don't want people to be in your background, be prepared to come to a time you feel like is best! Another thing is that you can't go up onto the stairs or else you're gonna get into trouble! Now now, you're wondering if I would recommend this place to others? Hell yes! It is a magical place to relax and hear the soothing ocean! Please come if you're in the area but respect it! read more

I am a graduate student here, been here for 4 years. It's beautiful. I am so lucky to work at such a beautiful spot. It overlooks the ocean and has beautiful concrete architecture. We have an architectural tour for free here and I highly recommend it! We have around 40 or 50 biology laboratories here working on things from cancer to neurobiology and even plant biology. Our new cafe will be opening soon, so come and check us out for lunch. The entire grounds are locked on the weekends, so you might be able to sneak in, but it's better to just go on the weekdays and take the tour. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Permanent fixture at the salk of a smaller version of "the Sun" a Chihuly sculpture - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

Closed during the weekend I visited. I was left to walk around the perimeter of the building touching the concrete and staring at this architectural landmark. Being a casual architectural fan -- I enjoy learning about architecture and admiring structures at home in Los Angeles and during my travels. As functional pieces of art, I envy those people that get to live or work in these places that serve as homes, schools or work spaces. Salk Institute is a lab overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Before researching my trip to San Diego, I began researching places to see and what caught my attention was this structure by Louis Kahn. I've never heard of him before not ever taking architecture course in school, but try to read up on architecture on my own or while researching a destination before traveling. They have tours available and recommend looking into it and scheduling a tour. If you have even a slight interest in art and architecture, I recommend checking this place out as you'll be amazed as I was at how beautiful of building it is mixing most the modern, angular, and the organic to blend with the backdrop of the majestic expanse of the Pacific Ocean. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

I'm simply amazed by this place! Even though I don't know much about architecture, I'm simply amazed at how beautiful this concrete jungle is. Once you enter, the view is just breathtaking. There's also free tours you can join. You can take pictures of the structures and such, but you can't take many personal shots here. And definitely no photoshoots. I believe you can pay a price to do a photoshoot though. There's a free parking lot, but also parking alongside the building. read more

Beautiful architecture and place to visit! Came here during the late morning on a Monday. We were able to get a visitor parking spot, security guard was friendly. Free entrance, caught the "meet a scientist", and it was very informative. I wish it was a little longer and in a shaded area and more directed. Architecture tour was sold out, for future make sure to book in advanced. Although, you can do a self guided tour with all the information online. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Beautiful place to walk around and take in the scenery. Free to come in and walk in the courtyard. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

Beautiful - it's free to walk around, though limited in how much you can see. 100% worth it, but manage expectations in advance. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

very striking architecture, sharp and dignified. The water elements add a nice touch that complement the overall aesthetic. read more

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If you've never witnessed the Salk Institute in La Jolla, you're missing out on one of San Diego's most valuables. There are so many elements that make the Salk as majestic as it is. First, the location. The Salk overlooks the Pacific Ocean and I'm not talking about one of those lame half-views people pay $1.357 million for. The view from the Salk's grand courtyard is unobstructed and breathtaking. I've visited the Salk twice for business meetings and I always take a moment to absorb my glorious surroundings. Next, the architecture. Not only was Jonas Salk a brilliant mind, he was a man of excellent taste. Salk's selection of Louis Kahn as architect resulted in nothing short of a modern masterpiece. Kahn believed in open space and natural light, both of which are reflected throughout the campus. There are massive windows, cool steel and unfinished teak - all of which come together in simple, quiet architectural beauty. If you can spare your lunch hour, Salk offers free guided architectural tours during the week. Last, something must be said about the incomprehensible genius, past and present, that's housed in the Salk. AIDS, Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes and many more devastating diseases are being studied by some of the most brilliant minds in the world and we are fortunate to have them working, researching and pioneering mere miles away. For them, for Jonas Salk and for his masterful institute, San Diego, and the world, is a better place. read more

Make sure you go there on a weekday or you can't get in and that's the part you must see. The Salk Institute is a modern masterpiece by Louis Kahn. It is also still a science laboratory, so when you go you will see biologists out and about, enjoying their lunches and such. They will look at you, with your camera, your architectural nerdiness showing as you photograph the beautiful details of the building. They do not understand, they are biologists. Or, perhaps they understand the most, because they are the ones who get to work at this place everyday. read more

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - La Jolla, California

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It's an interesting building, but one completely ruined by baffling and asinine rules enforced by mindless security guards. If you just want to take a few pictures, prepare to be stopped, chastised and escorted from the area like a criminal. They say they're interested in protecting the working environment for what's happening in the building, but that's not terribly compelling. We were all but accosted for three pictures on a rainy day with zero interaction with anyone except the security guard who came after us. Plenty of pretty places in San Diego. Can't say this one is worth the headache. read more

The Salk Institute has amazing architecture and symmetry which make it an excellent backdrop for some stunning photos. You probably will end up being questioned if you have a tripod setup or attempt to go upstairs, but the security guards are generally friendly and just ensuring that the research is being kept safe. Definitely explore the perimeter as there are a myriad of interesting perspectives and angles to choose from, just beware that you may have get some good whiffs of mouse odor as you wander around from all of the research being conducted. Keep in mind the hours since the campus will close and you are unlikely to get sunrise or sunset pictures unless it's during the fall equinox when they open later to allow for the multiple photographers to get a shot at the sun setting right down the middle of the channel. Enjoy the view! read more

Amazing; simply amazing. As a slightly closeted architecture nerd, I love getting the chance to see thoughtfully and purposefully-designed spaces up close and personal. The west coast is full of these types of buildings--the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Neutra's Silver Lake houses, or all the mid-century modern estates of Palm Springs. In that way, the Salk Institute did not disappoint. It is a glorious space. To stand in the midst of that open-air travertine courtyard, the breeze from the Pacific blowing cool on your face, is an emotional experience. Up close, you see just how each detail was designed with intention; the water, wood and stone chosen to reflect their place in nature and by extension our relationship to it. Every angle, every seam, line and cut of stone measured for precise reason; truly transcending mere functionality to become a work of art. This is Louis Kahn's fully realized expression; an architect working at the height of his creativity. The Salk is a fully-functioning laboratory, and as such I think you're pretty much free to roam the grounds as long as they're open; but I'd recommend trying to catch a tour if you can. They're offered, free, every week day at noon. That way you get a bit of background and context, and a chance to take a peek inside the utilities area, where you see just how practically-designed the building is. Cynthia, our guide, was not only knowledgeable, but warm and open and funny as well. Her love of the space shone through as genuine enthusiasm. If you think Southern California is all strip malls and freeways. Take a visit to the Salk Institute and think again! read more

You can admire the architecture but will NOT be be able to see the sunset at either Equinox. The site closes at 6:00 and the sunset is at 6:44. It would be nice if they were to keep it open an extra hour two days a year. But it is a private institute. Great place worth seeing, but you will be turned away or escorted away after 6:00 PM. Too bad since it is one of San Diego's true gems. read more

This was my favourite building that I had never visited until I visited... Now it is just my favourite building. A very generous janitor let my enthusiastic self in for cheeky a dusk run through the stunning horizon courtyard with the beautiful Luis Barragan bisecting linear water feature, flanked by Louis Kahn's masterfully crafted laboratory buildings of the Salk. I thought this was the best day in my life until I returned the next day for an architectural tour (free!) and was afforded the opportunity of a real walk through. Mr Kahn is a genius. Louis and Luis, what a combination. How humble I feel in the magnificent surrounding of such an accomplished edifice. I still dream of my visits here. read more