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December 2023 by Theo “ahacool5” Kim
I cannot bring any words to express the Salk Institute.The best architectural landmark in the Southern California.Can breathe in and out at the courtyard.Strongly recommended to feel harmony with nature and human.
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December 2023 by Oliver S (23GT.net)
The Salk Institute is an amazing example of Modernist architecture and it's wonderful that they allow anyone to visit and take a tour of the facility for a small fee, either as a self-guided tour or with a docent. I'm glad I was able to take advantage on a trip up to Oceanside for a cycling event. Unfortunately their website now states that as of 2024 they'll be discontinuing self-guided tours and only docent-led tours will be available.Although Brutalism isn't an architectural style that's everyone's cup of tea, I think most people will find Salk's particular form of execution appealing. While it has the hard edges and unembellished materials of typical modernist structures, some softness and elegance is added by the interposed teak panels on the concrete facades, the striking water feature in the middle of the courtyard, and of course, the magnificent view of the ocean framed by the two main laboratory buildings.The architecture is particularly impressive considering how functional it is despite the striking looks. According to the Salk website and architectural articles the labs are open-plan for flexibility while the study towers facing the courtyard provide private offices for researchers that are separate but still easily accessible from the labs. It's a testimony to the brilliant design that the building has remained a premiere research facility for 60 years already.While you can't enter the lab areas themselves for obvious reasons of course since this is an active research institution, and there are roaming guards to keep an eye on things, security during my visit never felt obtrusive and I was able to mosey about freely within the areas described in the self-guided tour brochure. Staff were helpful the couple of times I asked to make sure I was going in the right directions.Trying to find free street parking was a bit of a chore on the Friday afternoon I arrived but a little patience did net me a spot just beside the Institute on Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. There is pay parking across that street if you want to save some time hunting.In summary, the Salk Institute is well worth a visit for any fan of architecture in general but especially modern architecture in particular. As icing on the cake for modernist fans, the Geisel Library, another brutalist masterpiece, is a short distance away and an easy add-on to your visit.
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December 2023 by Michelle Pfann
Such a beautiful place! Did the self - guided tour, which admittedly isn't much of a tour, but does grant you entrance to the courtyard. Worth the admission fee, just to contribute to the preservation of this beautiful place.
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November 2023 by Yi Chen
A beautiful establishment designed by Louis Kahn. These photos were taken a year ago and at that time it wasn’t open for public and I’m not sure how is it today.
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September 2023 by Perry Harrell
Great spot to visit and it's easy to secure your free spot online in advance. Parking can be a bit of a challenge as there's no reserved visitor parking despite signage. Someone will come by and tell you where you can try to find parking. We parked across the street in a paid lot so not the end of the world.Your tour reservation is good for any time during the day. They have a cafe and coffee stand on site as well.It's a quick but beautiful visit if you just walk through the guided tour brochure. I think we stayed maybe 30 minutes max.
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July 2023 by Henry Castillo
Very interesting place If you are into biological history and research
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May 2023 by Kayne Andrew Doughty
Would give zero stars if possible. Stunning place and beautiful architecture and views; however, it is guarded by fascist security ala the pixies from Fairly Odd Parents. Be warned, even going for a stroll and taking pictures in the easily accessible and un-gated areas is not allowed. You will be hounded by security even in the parking lot by the weeds. Absolute trash experience, the place reeks of elitist gatekeeping.
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May 2023 by Sabreen S. Chowdhury
Incredibile and a timeless creation of maestro Architect Louis I Kahn!
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February 2023 by Lilia Kakaradova
Great Cancer T 32 Symposium! Wonderful presentations, good conversations a lot to learn.
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January 2023 by L DING
great building, except for it was not open to public visit during the holiday. We could only see part of it from the seashore side.
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December 2022 by 杜梦菲
The building is amazing! The school is closed during winter break.
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December 2022 by Jane A.
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.
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December 2022 by cathy zhang
I really wanted to go see this place, but it was not open for tour and we were told by security to leave the area....
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December 2022 by Greg Ehlert
Tremendous campus. Incredible research history. World class setting.
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October 2022 by Jay Lovitt
Read about what they do there. It’s a scary sci fi nightmare of secrets there.
