{"id":3431,"date":"2015-10-12T20:59:42","date_gmt":"2015-10-13T03:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vermont.salk.edu\/?page_id=3431"},"modified":"2026-06-05T17:23:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T00:23:16","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.salk.edu\/de\/about\/visiting-salk\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Salk – Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alle erweitern<\/a>Alle einklappen<\/a><\/p>\n

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Campus Access and Visiting the Institute<\/h2>\n

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When can visitors access the Salk Institute campus?<\/a><\/div>\n
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The Salk Institute is an active scientific research facility. To maintain the research environment while ensuring a meaningful visitor experience, campus access is available through registered docent-led architectural tours or official Institute business only.<\/p>\n

Visitors may access the Institute through public architectural tours offered Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., unless the Institute is closed for a holiday or private event. Tours are approximately one hour long.<\/p>\n

Visitors may also access the Institute by booking a Private Group Tour in advance.<\/p>\n

Klicken Sie hier<\/strong><\/a> to book both types of tours.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is the Institute open on weekends?<\/a><\/div>\n
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No. The Salk Institute campus is closed on weekends, holidays, and for private events.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Can visitors view the main courtyard without taking a tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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The iconic courtyard and \u201cRiver of Life\u201d water feature are located within the Institute grounds and may only be viewed as part of a registered tour. Visitors may still enjoy exterior perimeter views from surrounding public roads.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Booking and Tour Availability<\/h2>\n

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How do I book a public tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Public tour tickets may be purchased online. Public tours are generally available Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Click here to book a public tour<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How do I register for a Private Group Tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Private Group Tours may be requested for Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am \u2013 3:00 pm. Private Group Tour requests must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the prospective tour date.<\/p>\n

Click here to register for a private tour<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is there availability for a tour on a specific date?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Public tours: Klicken Sie hier<\/a><\/strong> to check availability and purchase tickets <\/p>\n

Private tours: Klicken Sie hier<\/a><\/strong> to complete the request form.<\/p>\n

The Institute typically schedules tours 3 months in advance for both public and private tours.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Can I join a sold-out public tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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No. Tour capacity is intentionally limited to provide the best visitor experience.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Are self-guided tours available?<\/a><\/div>\n
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No. All visits take place as part of a docent-led tour to protect the active research environment and ensure a consistent visitor experience.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the difference between the Campus Tour and Private Group Tour? <\/a><\/div>\n
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Both public and private tours take one hour, follow the same outdoor route and include the same architectural highlights, history, and docent commentary. Private tours are reserved exclusively for your group of guests, while public tours include individual visitors from the general public. Access to the labs and other interior spaces is prohibited on all tours.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How many people can join a Private Group Tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Tours work best with a limited number of visitors in each group, so very large private tours will be split into separate groups \u2013 each led by an individual docent.<\/p>\n

Click here to register for a private tour<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Can I take a sunset tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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The Institute does not offer any sunset tours.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Educational Group Visits<\/h2>\n

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Can I request a tour for a class or school group?<\/a><\/div>\n
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If you are an educator looking only for an architectural tour for your students, Klicken Sie hier<\/strong><\/a> to request a private tour. <\/p>\n

If you are an educator who wishes to visit a Salk lab with your students or learn more about our science, Klicken Sie hier<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Tour Details<\/h2>\n

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How long is the tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Architectural tours (public or private) last approximately one hour.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What time does the tour begin?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Public tours run generally every Wednesday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Private tours must be arranged in advance for specific times between 9:00 a.m. \u2013 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Do tours go inside laboratories or buildings?<\/a><\/div>\n
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No. Tours remain outdoors and do not include access to laboratories or restricted interior areas.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is the tour ADA accessible?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Yes. Tours can accommodate guests with accessibility needs in accordance with ADA standards.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Are service animals allowed on the tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Service animals trained to do work or perform tasks related to a person\u2019s disability per California law, are permitted on tours. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed or tethered (unless these devices interfere with its work), and must remain under the owner\u2019s control at all times.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Are babies or children allowed on the tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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The tour experience is designed primarily for adults and visitors with a strong interest in architecture and design. Because tours are approximately one hour long and focused on architecture, younger children may find the experience less engaging. Strollers are not permitted on the tour.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What should visitors wear?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Tours take place entirely outdoors and include stairs and some uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, and layered clothing are recommended.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Are interpreters provided for tours?<\/a><\/div>\n
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The Institute does not provide interpreters. If you or your group require an interpreter, you must bring your own, and either purchase an additional public tour ticket for that person, or include them as part of the headcount in planning for your private tour.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Arrival, Transportation, and Logistics<\/h2>\n

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Where do visitors meet for the tour? <\/a><\/div>\n
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All tour guests should check in at the Security\/Reception entrance located in the southern front building of the campus. Klicken Sie hier<\/strong><\/a> for a map of the Salk campus, which identifies the visitor entrance with a red dot.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is parking available?<\/a><\/div>\n
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There is no public parking available on the Salk Institute campus for tour attendees. Paid parking is available across the street at the Sanford Consortium for $4.50\/hour. Limited public parking may be found along Torrey Pines Scenic Drive or Torrey Pines Gliderport parking lot, although the latter is unpaved and not suitable for some vehicles.<\/p>\n

If you plan to drive your own vehicle, please allow an extra 15-20 minutes to park.<\/p>\n

Klicken Sie hier<\/strong><\/a> for parking map.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How can I reach the Institute using public transportation?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Ride-share services and taxis are recommended. Public transit options include local bus service and the UC San Diego Blue Line trolley. For the schedule, visit San Diego\u2019s MTS trip planner<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Can I bring a stroller, luggage, or other large items on the tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Please leave all strollers, luggage, or any other large or bulky items at home or in your vehicle, as there are stairs on the tour route and no place to store items. If you do bring large items, Salk is not responsible for storing, securing, or watching these belongings.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Weather and Day-of-Tour Questions<\/h2>\n

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Are tours cancelled due to rain?<\/a><\/div>\n
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No. Tours operate rain or shine.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What if I am running late?<\/a><\/div>\n
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If you or your group is running late for a tour, please email Salk Tours at tours@salk.edu<\/a>. We will do our best to accommodate you.<\/p>\n

Tours begin promptly. Guests arriving more than 10 minutes late may not be able to join the tour to avoid disruption to the group. If you aren\u2019t able to join your scheduled tour, you may request a refund of the cost of the ticket.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Ticket Issues, Changes, and Refunds<\/h2>\n

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How do I cancel or reschedule my tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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If you need to cancel or reschedule tickets for a public tour that you purchased online, please email Salk Tours at tours@salk.edu<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n

If you need to cancel or reschedule a pre-arranged private tour, please email Salk Tours at tours@salk.edu<\/a>. Private tour cancellation requests must be received at least two business days prior to the scheduled tour date for a full refund.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What is your refund policy?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Refunds for public tour tickets are available if you find yourself unable to attend the tour you booked online, with 24 hours advance notice.<\/p>\n

Refunds for private tours must be requested at least two business days prior to the scheduled tour date for a full refund. After that, the tour payment will be considered a donation that supports the preservation and maintenance of the Salk Institute buildings.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Can you resend my confirmation or tickets?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Contact Salk Tours at tours@salk.edu<\/a> for another copy of your confirmation or tickets.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Campus Amenities and Visitor Experience<\/h2>\n

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Is there a place to eat on campus?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Yes, the Salk Caf\u00e9 is open to visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Access to the Caf\u00e9 is on the perimeter of the building and we recommend that you plan your meal for before or after your visit. Seating is available on the Lower West Courtyard for Caf\u00e9 patrons.<\/p>\n

Show your tour confirmation at the Caf\u00e9 and enjoy 10% off\u2014a tasty reward for joining the tour!<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Where can I purchase Salk Institute merchandise or branded items?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Salk Institute merchandise and branded items are available online through the Salk Store. Visit www.salk.edu\/store<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Can I make a donation on the day of my tour?<\/a><\/div>\n
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<\/a> Yes. Please click on the donate button to make an online donation<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Policies<\/h2>\n

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What is the photography and videography policy?<\/a><\/div>\n
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Casual personal photography and brief videography is permitted during tours as follows:<\/p>\n