The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato’s world-renowned research institute, offers weekly docent-led tours every Thursday at 10:30am. Visitors can explore the biological mysteries of aging, or simply experience the building’s architecture, which was created by I.M. Pei, often called the master of modern architecture. Pei is known for work like the atrium he designed for the Louvre Museum in Paris. The Buck features a similar, 75 foot skylight, and Pei’s trademark use of varied geometric elements and floating staircases.
The institute, located in the foothills of Mount Burdell, is named for Marin County and Beryl Hamilton Buck, whose estate funded the endowment that helped establish the Institute. The Buck is considered by many to be the cornerstone of the growing local life science industry, which includes other notable companies like BioMarin, Ultragenyx and Genentech. The North Bay Life Science Alliance, which features many local companies, including the Buck, is a showcase for this notable North Bay grouping of companies.
In addition to weekly Thursday morning tours, the Institute offers a Thursday afternoon tour once a month, April through October, and has offered Saturday morning tours on a trial basis. Check The Buck Institute for Research on Aging website for current tour options. All tours require a reservation. To make one, call (415) 209 2245.
