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Apple Park Visitor Center: A Glimpse into Apple's World

Explore Apple's innovative world at the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino: Discover exclusive merchandise, interactive exhibits, and panoramic views of the iconic campus.

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The Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino offers a unique window into the world of Apple. More than just a store, it's an architectural marvel showcasing Apple's design ethos and commitment to sustainability. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including an augmented reality model of the entire Apple Park campus, offering a peek inside the innovative workspaces. The center also features exclusive Apple merchandise, a cafe serving refreshments, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the iconic 'spaceship' building and surrounding landscape. It's a must-visit destination for tech enthusiasts and anyone curious about Apple's culture and vision, providing a tangible connection to one of the world's most influential companies. With free admission and parking, it's an accessible and engaging experience for all ages, offering a blend of technology, design, and a glimpse into the future of corporate innovation. The Visitor Center provides a curated experience that embodies Apple's brand, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Silicon Valley.

A brief summary to Apple Apple Park Visitor Center

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the Visitor Center can get crowded.
  • Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to enhance your augmented reality experience.
  • Check the Apple website for special events or workshops that may be taking place during your visit.
  • Don't miss the exclusive Apple and Apple Park-branded merchandise, only available at this location.
  • Head to the roof terrace for the best views of Apple Park, especially during sunset.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Cupertino Civic Center, take the VTA bus line 23 towards Palo Alto. Get off at the Stevens Creek & Miller stop. Then, transfer to the VTA bus line 56 towards De Anza College. Get off at the Wolfe & Pruneridge stop, which is a short walk to the Apple Park Visitor Center. The total journey takes approximately 37 minutes and costs $2 - $10.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Cupertino, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) provides a direct and convenient way to reach the Apple Park Visitor Center. The ride typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately $10-$15.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 10600 N Tantau Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014. Free parking is available in the lot behind the visitor center and in the underground parking garage. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak hours.

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Discover more about Apple Apple Park Visitor Center

The Apple Park Visitor Center, located in Cupertino, California, serves as the public gateway to Apple's innovative world headquarters. Opened in September 2017, the Visitor Center offers a carefully curated experience that provides a glimpse into the design, technology, and philosophy that drive Apple. Designed by Foster + Partners, the same architects behind the main Apple Park building, the Visitor Center mirrors the aesthetic of the 'spaceship' with its clean lines, expansive glass walls, and minimalist design. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the building's striking architecture. The transparent glass facade allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The carbon fiber roof, seemingly floating above the structure, cantilevers over outdoor seating areas, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The surrounding landscape, featuring olive groves and native plants, further enhances the connection to nature. The Visitor Center is divided into four main areas, each offering a unique perspective on Apple Park and its mission: * **Apple Store:** This retail space offers a curated selection of Apple products and accessories, including exclusive Apple and Apple Park-branded merchandise not found in regular Apple Stores. Visitors can purchase t-shirts, hats, tote bags, and postcards as souvenirs of their visit. * **Exhibition Space:** This area showcases the innovative design principles of Apple Park through interactive exhibits. A large-scale model of the campus, milled and finished by the same machines that create Apple products, is brought to life with augmented reality technology. Visitors can use iPads to explore the campus, lift the roof off buildings, and learn about the sustainable features of the world's largest naturally ventilated building. * **Café:** The café provides a relaxing space for visitors to enjoy refreshments while taking in the surrounding views. Comfortable seating is available both indoors and outdoors, surrounded by olive trees. The café serves coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals. * **Roof Terrace:** The roof terrace offers panoramic views of Apple Park and the surrounding landscape. A delicate screen of curved carbon-fiber fins shades the terrace, providing a comfortable space to relax and take photos. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the scale and design of the main building, as well as the lush greenery that surrounds it. The Apple Park Visitor Center is more than just a place to shop or grab a coffee; it's an immersive experience that embodies Apple's brand and values. The attention to detail, the seamless integration of technology and nature, and the focus on sustainability all contribute to a unique and memorable visit. **History and Significance** Apple Park, also known as Apple Campus 2, was conceived by Steve Jobs as a unified and collaborative workspace for Apple employees. Jobs envisioned a circular building that would foster creativity and innovation, while also minimizing the environmental impact. The project was designed by Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, and construction began in 2014. The campus opened to employees in April 2017, and the Visitor Center followed in September of the same year. The design of Apple Park reflects Apple's commitment to sustainability. The campus is powered by 100% renewable energy, including a rooftop solar installation that is one of the largest in the world. The building is naturally ventilated, reducing the need for air conditioning, and the surrounding landscape features drought-resistant plants that require minimal irrigation. The Steve Jobs Theater, located on a hill within Apple Park, is an underground auditorium that hosts Apple product launches and press events. The theater is named after Apple's co-founder and former CEO, and it is a tribute to his vision and leadership. **Visitor Experience** Visiting the Apple Park Visitor Center is a unique and engaging experience for people of all ages. The interactive exhibits, the stunning architecture, and the panoramic views all contribute to a memorable visit. The Visitor Center is a popular destination for tech enthusiasts, Apple fans, and anyone curious about the company's culture and vision. The augmented reality experience is a highlight for many visitors. By using iPads to explore the scale model of Apple Park, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the campus's design and sustainable features. The ability to lift the roof off buildings and peek inside the collaborative workspaces is a particularly engaging feature. The Apple Store offers a curated selection of Apple products and accessories, as well as exclusive Apple and Apple Park-branded merchandise. This is the only place where visitors can purchase these unique souvenirs. The café provides a relaxing space to take a break and enjoy refreshments. The outdoor seating area, surrounded by olive trees, is a particularly pleasant spot to unwind. The roof terrace offers the best views of Apple Park and the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the scale and design of the main building, as well as the lush greenery that surrounds it. **Practicalities** The Apple Park Visitor Center is located at 10600 N Tantau Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014. It is open to the public seven days a week, with varying hours. Admission is free, and parking is available in a free lot and underground parking garage. The Visitor Center is accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines stopping nearby. The nearest bus station is Homestead & Swallow (W), which is an 11-minute walk away. **Nearby Attractions** Cupertino and the surrounding area offer a variety of attractions for visitors to explore. Some popular destinations include: * **De Anza College Planetarium:** Offers educational astronomy shows and interactive laser displays. * **Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve:** Features hiking trails with scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. * **McClellan Ranch Preserve:** A historic ranch with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and educational programs. * **Stevens Creek County Park:** Offers hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities. * **Computer History Museum:** Located in nearby Mountain View, this museum showcases the history of computing from the abacus to the internet.

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