Itze-Leib Schmuilowsky

Itze-Leib Schmuilowsky, better known as Louis Kahn, designed the renowned Salk Institute near San Diego, CA. This building has long been on my radar ever since I moved to San Francisco almost 6 years ago. My first attempt, 5 years ago, to visit this famed example of 20th Century design ended in disappointment, as it was at the time closed for holidays.

I almost suffered the same fate in a recent second visit, but had the good fortune of encountering a very friendly and helpful security guard who let me in, after I explained to him that I was not going to have another opportunity any time soon. Definitely one of the better encounters I have had with security in my years of photographing architecture.

The building did not disappoint – the fabulous contrast of wood and concrete had aged well, and the main plaza formed by 2 rows of zig-zagging facades bracketing an unobstructed ocean vista, is truly one of the most serene and beautiful architectural spaces I have ever visited.

Tours are held regularly, for those who happen to time a visit better than I did – I highly recommend it.