Award-Winning Experience! 
We’re proud to share that the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab tours have been recognized by Tripadvisor in 2025 as among the Top 10% of Things to Do Worldwide!

Each year, Tripadvisor celebrates travelers’ favorite experiences across the globe, based on reviews and ratings collected over 12 months. Thanks to our visitors’ enthusiastic feedback, the Mirror Lab tour earned a place among the very best.

Come see for yourself why guests from around the world rave about this one-of-a-kind experience!

 

Tour Duration: 90 minutes
Location: Steward Observatory, 933 N. Cherry Ave., University of Arizona

Explore the cutting-edge of astronomical innovation on this 90-minute guided tour of the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab at the University of Arizona. Learn how pioneering engineering, optical science, and precision manufacturing come together to create the world’s largest and most advanced telescope mirrors—each 8.4 meters (27 feet) in diameter.

Located beneath the U of A’s football stadium, the Mirror Lab is the birthplace of mirrors for the Giant Magellan Telescope, a revolutionary new instrument with a 25-meter primary mirror composed of seven of our 8.4-meter segments. This next generation of telescopes will transform astronomy—probing the early universe, revealing the formation of the first stars, and potentially detecting signs of life on distant exoplanets.

The tour begins at the historic Steward Observatory, U of A’s first research department, established in 1917. After an introductory presentation in our iconic white-brick dome, we’ll walk to the Mirror Lab for an up-close look at the unique processes involved—from melting glass to precision polishing and optical testing.

Join us and discover how the University of Arizona is shaping the future of space exploration and astronomical discovery.

INFORMATION 
DatesMonday through Friday
Time

Start times vary depending on the day.  Please go to the Mirror Lab tour calendar for options.  Tour duration is about 90 minutes. 

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour to check-in with our tour leaders at Steward Observatory, 933 Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ.  The tour begins promptly.

Requirements

Important Tour Information

  • A major portion of the tour involves walking, climbing, and descending stairs.
  • Closed-toed, flat shoes are required. Guests without appropriate footwear will not be permitted to attend. Sneakers are strongly recommended for safety and comfort.
  • No personal belongings (backpacks, purses, large bags, etc.) are allowed unless they fit comfortably in your pockets. Please leave these items in your vehicle.
  • A disposable water bottle is allowed but must be discarded before entering the Mirror Lab facility.
  • Age: 10+ years – all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

If you have questions concerning access or disability-related accommodations, please contact 520-626-8122 or rfcml.tours@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) - EMAIL is preferred.

CostAdults $25 | Students with ID $20 
School and Group ToursAvailable with advanced coordination 
Parking

Cherry Avenue (closest) or South Stadium Garage see U of A Parking Map.

Self-Pay (Motorcycles are not permitted to park in Cherry Garage.)

For parking options, please call U of A Parking and Transportation at (520) 626-7275.

LocationMeet us at the Steward Observatory lobby
📍 933 N. Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721
(just north of the U of A football stadium)
ContactEmail is preferred rfcml.tours@gmail.com | 520-626-8122, please leave a message in the event we are unable to answer.  sends e-mail)
AccommodationsDiscover more things to do in Tucson on the Kayak site at https://www.kayak.com/Tucson.29704.guide.