In wake of "Oppenheimer," Los Alamos lays ground rules for visitors

Elizabeth Tucker , Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read
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Aug. 30—Since the release of the film "Oppenheimer" this summer, "unprecedented tourist attention" has been on the historic site where the atomic bomb was developed, a news release stated.

The release added Los Alamos National Laboratory is still a national security laboratory — and as such — has special restrictions and areas not open to the public.

In response to the influx of interest in the facility, LANL has assembled a frequently asked questions guide for potential visitors:

Can I get a badge to tour the labs?

No, badges are for authorized personnel only. To find out what the lab does on a daily basis, visit its website.

I want to learn more about Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project, where else in town can I go?

Bradbury Science Museum: 1450 Central Ave. With exhibits on lab science from the Manhattan Project to today, the museum is free, operated by the Laboratory and open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. SundayLos Alamos History Museum, Fuller Lodge, and Bathtub Row: 1050 Bathtub Row. Formerly the Los Alamos Ranch School, these buildings were purchased by the United States for use during the Manhattan Project and are now owned and operated by Los Alamos County. Here you can see Fuller Lodge, where several movie scenes took place, the museum (chock-full of Manhattan Project memorabilia) and walk around the outside of Oppenheimer's house.Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center: Step inside and learn how Los Alamos looked and felt during the Manhattan Project era. Park personnel can answer your questions.

Can I share photos of my trip on social media?

Photos of the LANL facility — even those taken from the street or in your car — are prohibited, and security personnel could potentially take your device to delete pictures.

The lab instead recommends downloading free, unclassified photos from its archive.

Bradbury Science Museum, the Fuller Lodge area and Park Visitors' Center are off Lab property and photography there is welcome.