Salk Institute

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About the Salk Institute:

The Salk Institute rests on coastal bluffs in La Jolla, 350 feet above the ocean on a 27-acre site donated by the City of San Diego. Partnering with architect Louis Kahn, he designed one of the most architecturally-stunning research centers. It continues to be acclaimed by architecture critics as one of the world’s boldest structures. Completed in 1965 and now designated a historical site, the Institute fulfills founder Dr. Jonas Salk’s vision of a facility with open, unobstructed laboratory interiors set in a dramatic location that inspires creativity among its researchers.

Jonas Salk is most notable for creating the first safe and effective polio vaccine.  In 1957, he ventured to La Jolla  in search of creating a setting where researchers could collaborate on their discoveries & projects with the vision helping the quality of future life.

While you're in the area, make sure to visit the Mushroom House nearby!

With financial support from the National Foundation/March of Dimes, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies opened its doors in 1963. In addition to Salk, the first Resident Fellows were Jacob Bronowski, Melvin Cohn, Renato Dulbecco, Edwin Lennox and Leslie Orgel. The Nonresident Fellows were Leo Szilard, Francis Crick, Salvador Luria, Jacques Monod and Warren Weaver.

Although the Salk Institute usually offer tours to the public, they are currently halted due to Covid.  Hopefully they return sooner than later! Visitors are usually required to pay an online $7.50 fee to fund the Architectural Conservation Program before visiting campus.