Intricately designed by Louis I. Kahn in the 1960s, the Salk Institute remains an architectural marvel, as its central, symmetrical courtyard is unique to the eye. Hidden in plain sight on the San Diego coast, the modernist beacon-styled building features a beautifully laid out mini-canal leading down towards the horizon, followed by its stunning concrete-made buildings on both sides.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Moderate
Accessbility
school
Hours
Weekdays 9AM-5PM, closed weekends
Fee
$7.50
Pack
Wide-angle lens (12mm)
How to get there
N32° 53' 13.5456"W117° 14' 44.682"
This image was taken within the main quad at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. I stood facing west toward the pool to get this perspective.
The best way to access this location is by parking in the lot (32.887175, -117.244449) and then heading west into the entrance. Because the institute is a private, not-for-profit research campus, you must have an online reservation before coming to the site. Once you’re on the tour, you’ll come across this view in the middle of the campus. You can also reference the GPS coordinates to see the exact place where I stood to take the photo.
Please note that commercial/professional shoots are not allowed here. Security will check your bag before entering and although they will allow you to bring in a camera, they will not allow you to have equipment (i.e. a tripod) or a professional model.
For more information about the tours, check online: https://www.salk.edu/about/visiting-salk
Address:
Salk Institute for Biological Studies 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
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