Visit the Very Large Array
Welcome!
The Very Large Array (VLA) Radio Telescope facility is a two-hour drive from Albuquerque, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. The Visitor Center features an award-winning documentary narrated by Jodie Foster, plus exhibits describing radio astronomy and the VLA telescope. A self-guided walking tour features large, informative signs and takes you to the base of one of the giant dish antennas. A gift shop offers VLA souvenirs and educational materials.
Notice: Visitor Center Will be Closed Friday, April 11 from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Please be advised that our Visitor Center will be temporarily closed due to a scheduled power outage. The closure will begin on Friday, April 11 at 8:00 A.M. and is expected to last until 1:00 P.M. During this time, all services and facilities will be unavailable, including access to the bathrooms and Gift Shop in the Visitor Center.
If you have already purchased tickets for the self-guided walking tour, you may still complete the tour during the closure. If you would like to visit us once the power is restored, or at a later date, you can email VisitVLA@nrao.edu to reschedule, or refund, your tickets.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Hours
We encourage purchasing advanced admission due to limited connectivity at the site.
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- The VLA is open to the public 7 days a week ONLY from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- No one is allowed on site after 4 p.m. without prior authorization.
- We are closed Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday of Nov.), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), and New Year’s Eve Day (Dec. 31).
Gift Shop
- The Gift Shop is currently open Every Day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food Options
- There are no food options on-site at the VLA. Please bring adequate food and beverages for your visit.
Admission
| Adults (13 – 64) | $10.00 |
| Seniors (65+), Military & Veterans | $8.00 |
| Ages 12 and under | FREE |
| Socorro & Catron County Resident bringing a paying guest | FREE |
Admission to site includes access to:
- Our Visitor Center including our documentary film and current exhibits
- Our outdoor self-guided walking tour (weather permitting)
- A VLA guided tour, delivered by a staff member (when available; see event calendar for guided tour dates)
*Please note: Beginning May 1, 2024, timed-entry will no longer be required so admission. Your ticket is good for anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Reserved Group Programs
For education and special interest groups of 10 or more individuals, we provide private guided tours and other programs when possible. Reserved program requests must be made at least three weeks in advance. To learn more about our programs visit our Reserved Programs page.
Contact
Call 575-835-7219 or email us at visitVLA@nrao.edu.
Directions
The Very Large Array Radio Telescope is a two hour drive from Albuquerque, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico.
When driving west from Socorro:
- Travel through the small town of Magdalena and continue on US-60.
- Turn left onto NM-52 just west of mile marker 93.
- Drive 2.5 miles then turn right on NM-166 (Old Highway 60).
- Drive 1.6 miles and the VLA Visitor Center will be on your right.
When driving east from the Arizona border on US-60:
- Drive through the town of Datil. Just past mile marker 90 you will cross rail road tracks that mark the North arm of the array.
- Continue east on US-60 past mile marker 92 and turn right onto NM-52.
- Drive 2.5 miles and then turn right on NM-166 (Old Highway 60).
- Drive 1.6 miles and the VLA Visitor Center will be on your right.
Note: NRAO has offices located in Socorro, NM, and entering “Very Large Array” into direction-finding services may sometimes direct you to this location. Use the Google map below to get directions to the VLA Visitor Center. GPS coordinates for the site: 34 04 24.636N 107 37 20.640W. Please note that you may not have cellular or data reception within several miles of the VLA. All roads leading to the VLA are paved. If you are on a dirt road you are not on the correct route.