The VLA has not hosted its regular free public tour in several years but did offer tours as part of 49ers weekend in fall of 2022.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

The NRAO’s Very Large Array will host its first public open house since the COVID-19 pandemic began on Saturday, April 1. The event is free and open to the public.

The NRAO has been on hiatus from public open houses for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first open house will feature tours from NRAO scientists and engineers, pulic talks from guest experts throughout the day and local food trucks.

The VLA closed in March 2020, and reopened four days per week in Oct. 2022. The VLA is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The VLA will reopen to the public seven days a week beginning April 10.

Visitors can follow an outdoor self-guided walking tour and check out exhibits, documentary film and a gift shop at the Visitor Center.

Know Before You Go

Date and Time: April 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free. Unlike previous years, the event does require advance timed-entry tickets, but the tickets are free.

Location: The Very Large Array is just outside of Magdalena, 50 miles west of Socorro.

Chieftain Staff Report