In December 1959, Salk and architect Louis Kahn began a unique partnership to design the Salk Institute. Jonas Salk, M.D., summarized his aesthetic objectives by telling the architect to "create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso." Kahn, who was a devoted artist before he became an architect, was able to respond to this challenge. Groundbreaking took place in 1962, and soon thereafter the Salk Institute for Biological Studies became a reality. A few key researchers were invited to work in temporary buildings which were used while construction was under way. When the first laboratory was opened in 1963. Photo by Carol Highsmith.