Last updated: November 29, 2022

Effective December 1, 2022, MIT is expanding the number of buildings open to the general public. Read more in the November 29 letter to the community.

Buildings accessible to the MIT community

MIT ID holders continue to have wide-ranging access to campus buildings.

Buildings accessible to the general public

Buildings in the Main Group, the Infinite Corridor, and additional buildings noted in orange on the MIT Public Entrances map are open to the general public on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., except holidays. Other buildings, including the MIT Welcome Center, MIT Medical, the Stratton Student Center, and athletic facilities, noted in blue on the map, are open to the general public during public access hours specific to their operations. Visit the department/unit website for specific hours. MIT campus outdoor spaces remain open to all.

Buildings accessible to invited visitors

Invited visitors can access buildings open to the general public as noted above. Invited guests/visitors who are issued a Tim Ticket by an MIT community member may create their visitor ID and use it at locked entrances between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., 7 days a week, including holidays. Buildings with hours specific to their operations are marked in green on the Tim Ticket Entrances for Visitors map; please check with the department you are visiting for their stated business hours.

Guidance for accessing buildings with restricted access

• Members of the MIT community with an MIT mobile ID or optional physical MIT ID card can access campus buildings that they need in order to live, learn, or work at MIT.
• Affiliates, including vendors and suppliers authorized by a MIT department, lab, or center (DLC) to study or work on campus, should consult their host DLC about access requirements.
• MIT alumni with an Infinite Connection (IC) account can create an MIT mobile ID or obtain a physical Alumni ID card.
• Invited visitors
  • Escorted by MIT ID holder: Visitors may enter these buildings accompanied by an MIT ID holder. MIT ID holders may host a reasonable number of visitors at one time (e.g., the number of people that they can practically escort during a single visit) and are responsible for their visitor(s) for the duration of the visit.
  • Unescorted visitor access: Visitors invited to create a Tim Ticket by an MIT community member can provide contact information (email and/or mobile phone number) and create an MIT mobile ID or obtain a physical ID card. Unescorted access to MIT buildings and facilities via Tim Tickets is generally not allowed for visitors under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian.

See additional guidance for:

K-12 programs and visitors: Programs hosting K-12 visitors/minors should review MIT’s K-12 students and programs policy. Note that children who are under 12 years of age must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or be participating in a registered MIT K-12 program. As noted above, unescorted access to MIT buildings and facilities via Tim Tickets is not allowed for visitors under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Prospective undergraduate students: If you are interested in learning more about MIT and our campus, we host in-person information sessions and campus tours. There are also many resources on the Admissions website to help answer your questions and enable you to explore MIT on your own.

Other tour groups: Unescorted public group tours are allowed inside select campus buildings during posted days and times as mentioned above. Beyond that, visitors are welcome to explore our outdoor spaces on their own or with our self-guided walking tour. Learn more about visiting the MIT campus.

Residence halls and FSILGs: For visitors in MIT residence halls and FSILGs, please refer to the Division of Student Life guidance for undergraduate and graduate student residents.