Frequently Asked Questions About Public Tours
When does the Public Tour take place?
Public Tours take place on the third Friday of every month from January through November, from 10:00 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. We ask guests to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to ensure a timely registration process; no exceptions will be made for late arrivals.
What stops does the Public Tour make?
Guests on the Public Tour will visit three U.S. Department of Energy national user facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).
Where does the Public Tour begin?
Public Tours begin in Downtown Berkeley. The meeting location is the Berkeley Lab’s shuttle stop, located at approximately 2085 Center Street, in front of Wells Fargo ATMs on Center Street. All guests must take the Berkeley Lab Special Service Shuttle to access the Public Tour. Once the tour guide verifies identification, guests will then board the Special Service Shuttle to begin the Public Tour.
Can I take public transportation to the meeting point?
Yes. Downtown Berkeley BART station is conveniently located one block from the meeting spot.
Are parking lots located near the shuttle stop?
Yes. Public parking is available at several nearby lots in downtown Berkeley. For more information, please see the City of Berkeley parking webpage.
Are children allowed to attend?
The Public Tour is designed for people who are 16 years and older. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What form of identification is required?
A photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license, school/university ID, or passport is required for entrance to the Lab. A young adult may join the Public Tour if registered and accompanied by an adult with a photo ID.
What attire is required?
For safety considerations, please wear comfortable, flat, closed-toe shoes and long pants/trousers.
How much walking is involved on the tour?
Please note that the Public Tour involves approximately 2 miles of walking within the facilities mentioned above.
How much does the tour cost?
The Public Tour is free of charge.
Are cameras allowed?
Yes. Photographs are permitted at any time, but tripods are not allowed.
Can I register additional guests?
Yes. You may register additional guests by providing the name, age, citizenship, and email address during the registration process.
Is the tour only conducted in English?
Yes. In order minimize distractions on the tour, guests are encouraged to refrain from interpretation during the Public Tour.
How do I cancel my tour reservation?
If you are not able to attend the tour, please send an email to [email protected] as soon as possible so we can open up spaces for guests on the waitlist.