When you are visiting Pasadena, you're likely to be enchanted by its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and cultural gems like the Rose Bowl and the Norton Simon Museum. But nestled quietly in the southeastern corner of the city is one of Pasadena’s most influential and internationally recognized landmarks: the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech.
You can visit the Caltech campus, as it is open to the public. Stroll the grounds, admire the beautiful architecture and landscaping, and even grab a bite to eat at the Red Door Café. Keep in mind that most buildings, such as research and academic centers, are closed to the general public and require a special ID to enter. Caltech also offers a self-guided walking tour that highlights 21 significant sites across the 124-acre campus, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. One popular stop is the turtle pond in the middle of campus, a favorite spot for families and students alike.
A Humble Start: From Throop to Caltech
Caltech’s origins date back to 1891, when it began as a small vocational school called Throop University, founded by local philanthropist Amos G. Throop. At the time, Pasadena was emerging as a destination for health and education seekers, and Throop’s vision aligned with the city’s growing reputation as a center of learning. Originally focused on manual arts and engineering, the school evolved into a scientific institution thanks to the efforts of George Ellery Hale, a renowned astronomer who moved to Pasadena and saw great potential in the school. Hale helped reshape Throop’s mission toward research and innovation, laying the groundwork for what would become a world-class scientific university. In 1920, it was officially renamed the California Institute of Technology, signaling its transformation into the Caltech we know today.
Caltech’s Golden Era and Pasadena’s Rise
Under the leadership of physicist Robert A. Millikan, a Nobel Prize winner and one of the most influential scientists of his time, Caltech entered a golden age. Millikan helped secure funding, attracted elite faculty, and turned Pasadena into a hub of scientific research.
During this period, Caltech’s rise paralleled Pasadena’s own transformation. Once a quiet town known for its resorts and citrus groves, Pasadena was becoming a city of innovation and education.
A Launchpad to the Stars: Caltech and JPL
Perhaps Caltech’s most famous contribution to the world, and to Pasadena’s identity, is its connection to space exploration. In the 1930s, Caltech researchers began experimenting with rockets in the nearby Arroyo Seco. These daring early efforts led to the founding of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which Caltech now manages on behalf of NASA.
JPL has sent spacecraft to every planet in the solar system and continues to lead missions to Mars and beyond. It has been responsible for many of the United States' most iconic space missions, including Mars rovers, planetary probes, and deep space telescopes.
It’s not just a Pasadena landmark; it’s one of the most important space science institutions in the world. If you’re visiting Pasadena, you can even schedule a tour at JPL, offering a firsthand look at Caltech’s role in exploring the cosmos. Keep in mind that tours must be booked in advance and often fill up quickly.
Supporting the Storage Needs of Caltech Students
Today, Caltech remains a small and highly selective university, home to just around 2,000 students, yet its impact is global. Despite its size, Caltech consistently ranks among the world’s top universities in science and engineering.
Arroyo Parkway Self Storage is proud to be the go-to storage solution for many Caltech students. Our clean, well-maintained facility, friendly staff, and competitive pricing are just a few of the reasons students continue to choose us.
We proudly support the Caltech community by offering convenient, secure, and affordable storage right in the heart of Pasadena. Whether you're storing physics books over the summer, decluttering a dorm room, or just in need of a little extra space, we’re just minutes away—and always happy to help.
We look forward to continuing to serve these bright minds at the forefront of research in physics, biology, and engineering.
So next time you're in town and want to visit where some of the world’s greatest scientific minds study, discover, and innovate, make sure to take a walk through Caltech’s famous campus. And if you or someone you know is a student, researcher, or even just relocating nearby, remember that Arroyo Parkway Self Storage is here to help make the transition easier.
California Institute of Technology
1200 E California Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91125
caltech.edu
