Public Tours Overview
Public Tours Overview
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The tour begins with a shuttle ride from Downtown Berkeley to Berkeley Lab, followed by visits to three cutting-edge facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and either the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) or the Engineering Division’s Machine Shop. Participants will explore advancements in nanoscience, atomic-level material analysis, high-performance computing, or scientific fabrication that help shape the future of energy, materials, and technology.
To sign up for a public tour, please scroll down and select the registration button under “2026 Berkeley Lab Public Tour Dates.” Registration for each tour will open on the dates listed below. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend planning accordingly, as we are unable to take reservations outside of the designated registration process.
REAL ID Requirement
REAL ID Requirement
A REAL ID is required to access Berkeley Lab. If you do not yet have a REAL ID, there are a few other acceptable forms of identification that can be used. To learn more about the REAL ID requirement and how to get one if you don’t have one, please visit this FAQ: https://securityandemergencyservices.lbl.gov/real-id/.
2026 Berkeley Lab Public Tour Dates
2026 Berkeley Lab Public Tour Dates
January 30, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the Engineering Division's Machine Shop.
Registration will open on Thursday, December 11th at 10:00 am (PT)
February 27, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).
Registration will open on Thursday, January 8th at 10:00 am (PT)
March 27, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).
Registration will open on Thursday, February 12th at 10:00 am (PT)
April 24, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).
Registration will open on Thursday, March 12th at 10:00 am (PT)
May 29, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the Engineering Division's Machine Shop.
Registration will open on Thursday, April 9th at 10:00 am (PT)
July 31, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).
Registration will open on Thursday, June 11th at 10:00 am (PT)
August 28, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the Engineering Division's Machine Shop.
Registration will open on Thursday, July 9th at 10:00 am (PT)
October 23, 2026 from 9:45am - 12:45pm
This tour of Berkeley Lab includes visits to three top facilities: the Molecular Foundry, the Advanced Light Source, and the Engineering Division's Machine Shop.
Registration will open on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 10:00 am (PT)
FAQs
FAQs
What is the dress code?
For safety reasons, tour participants must wear flat, closed-toe shoes and long pants/trousers.
Can I join the tour if I have a pacemaker?
Yes, though please inform us if you have a pacemaker when filling out your registration form. The tour of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) involves passing by a magnetic field exceeding 5 Gauss; we will modify the tour route for those with pacemakers.
Can participants touch the equipment?
Unless encouraged to do so, please do not touch any scientific equipment.
Is there an age restriction?
Tours are designed for people who are age 16 and older, except for educational programs. Any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can we take photos during the tour?
Yes, photos are permitted at any time. If you post on social media, please tag us @BerkeleyLab!
Why do you ask for citizenship status and country of birth?
This information is required to visit Berkeley Lab, a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory. The information collected is not shared with outside entities, and visitors do not need to be US citizens to visit Berkeley Lab.
Can I drive myself to the Lab if I miss the shuttle?
No. All participants must meet at the Downtown Berkeley shuttle stop in order to begin the tour promptly. If you miss the shuttle, unfortunately you will need to register for a future tour later in the year.
What are the other acceptable forms of ID that I can use if I do not have a REAL ID?
US or Foreign Passport or Passport Card
Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Cards: Such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST
Permanent Resident Card
Can my reservation be transferred to another person if I cannot attend the tour?
No, tickets are non-transferable due to security regulations.
Stay in the know
Stay in the know
Questions? Contact publictours@lbl.gov
Questions? Contact publictours@lbl.gov
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