Salk Institute for Biological Studies - architectural and scientific landmark

The Salk Institute in La Jolla was designed by architect Louis Kahn and completed in 1965; it is widely regarded as an important work of modern architecture. The institute remains an active biomedical research center and also offers scheduled public tours and exhibition spaces that attract visitors interested in architecture and science. Its central courtyard, materials, and ocean-adjacent siting have made it a frequent subject in discussions of San Diego’s cultural and architectural identity.