Frequently Asked Questions

VISITING ROOTS OF KNOWLEDGE

Where is Roots of Knowledge?

Roots of Knowledge is in the Bingham Gallery on the first floor of Fulton Library. Utah Valley University is in Orem, on the east side of I-15 from the University Parkway exit (#269). View the campus map.

When is the best time to see Roots of Knowledge?

The Bingham Gallery's external lighting illuminates the windows after sunset, so the mural’s details are always visible. The stained glass is stunning at any time of day, but the windows’ coloring can look different depending on the weather and sun’s position. For example, Roots of Knowledge appears warm toned on a sunny evening or cool toned on a cloudy morning.

Where can I park?

When parking on campus, you can use the parking garage next to the Student Life and Wellness building or any of UVU’s 13 pay lots. The parking garage costs $1 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum, and accepts all major credit cards. The L4 pay lot is also close to the library but requires payment through the Passport app. Review a parking map and learn more about visitor parking at the UVU parking website.

On-campus parking in employee and student lots is free after 5:00 pm, excluding specifically marked service, accessibility, and paid parking stalls.

Is disabled parking available?

Disabled parking stalls are available in every UVU visitor lot. Vehicles with state-issued disabled license plates or placards may park in the disabled visitor pay stalls, at no charge, for up to two hours. Parking for more than two hours in disabled stalls will require payment at the regular posted rate.

Is Roots of Knowledge wheelchair accessible?

The Bingham Gallery and all Fulton Library entrances are wheelchair accessible. Fulton Library has a limited number of wheelchairs available for free checkout. Visit the first-floor Circulation Desk (across from the Bingham Gallery) to inquire about wheelchair availability during your visit.

How can I learn more about the content of Roots of Knowledge?

In addition to docents stationed in the Bingham Gallery, you can access a variety of other free resources to learn about Roots of Knowledge. Most of these resources can be accessed online, allowing you to use them at home, on the go, or to supplement an in-person visit. 

Audio Tours

Access three online Roots of Knowledge audio tours: the Introductory Tour, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, and the Combination Tour, which includes introductory and behind-the-scenes content.

Virtual Tour

Explore the virtual tour, which features in-depth identification, detailed photos, and background information for the columns, panels, and objects in the mural.

Mobile App

Download the free Roots of Knowledge app to access a database of historical references, listen to audio tours, or follow the creation process.

Visitor Guide and Brochure

Physical visitor guides and brochures are available for free near the Bingham Gallery entrances and in PDF format.

Is seating available in the Bingham Gallery?

The Bingham Gallery has a limited number of benches near the stained-glass windows. Additional seating or other accommodations are available by request; you can do so by calling 801-863-7668.

Is it free to visit Roots of Knowledge?

Roots of Knowledge is free and open to the public for drop-in visits and scheduled tours. 

(If you would like to donate to Roots of Knowledge, visit our give page and select “learn more” under the Roots of Knowledge section. Thank you!)

Can I visit Roots of Knowledge without scheduling a tour?

Drop-in visits are welcome, and docents are usually on hand to answer questions. Docents are available Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, and Saturday 11am-5pm with the exception of campus closures or special events (see our calendar). We also offer public guided tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2:00 pm.

When is the Bingham Gallery closed for events?

To avoid encountering tour groups or arriving when the gallery is closed for an event, we recommend checking the tour & events calendar before planning a visit.

May I take pictures or record videos of Roots of Knowledge?

 

Guests are welcome to take pictures and record videos of Roots of Knowledge for personal, non-commercial use, including school assignments and non-monetized social media posts. Roots of Knowledge copyrights are held by Utah Valley University and Holdman Studios.

Tour Questions

How long is a tour?

Scheduled tours typically take one hour. Longer or shorter tours may be scheduled if they do not overlap with another reservation. 

What is the minimum or maximum number of guests for a tour?

Tours can be scheduled for up to 60 guests at a time, with no minimum requirement. Larger groups should be split into separate tours.

How far in advance should I schedule a tour?

Tours must be scheduled at least four business days in advance to ensure docent availability. Drop-in visits are available as an alternative, but a guide will not be assigned to meet with your group. We ask that teachers schedule field trips at least four weeks in advance.

How do I make changes to a scheduled tour?

Please contact UVU Event Services to make changes to your reservation. Event Services can be reached by phone at 801-863-8612 or by email at [email protected].

Can I customize my tour?

If you would like your tour to focus on a specific theme or are interested in using a scavenger hunt during your visit, please contact us using the information in your welcome email.