Frequently Asked Questions

VISITING ROOTS OF KNOWLEDGE

Where is Roots of Knowledge?

Roots of Knowledge is located in the Bingham Gallery on the first floor of the Fulton Library. Utah Valley University is located in Orem off of the I-15 University Parkway exit (#269) on the east side of the freeway. Turn left from University Parkway to enter campus, and take the first right from the roundabout onto College Drive. View the campus map.

When is the best time to see Roots of Knowledge?

The Bingham Gallery has external lighting to illuminate the windows after sunset, so the mural’s details will be visible any time the gallery is open. However, the windows can appear somewhat different depending on the sun’s position in the sky and the current weather. For example, in late afternoon on a sunny day, Roots of Knowledge glows brightly in the direct sunlight, and its colors appear especially warm. On the other hand, when the gallery first opens in the morning, or the sun is blocked by clouds, the colors generally appear cooler. Please be advised that although the Bingham Gallery is equipped with climate control, the (literal) temperature in the gallery is also affected by the sun, especially in the space directly next to the windows!

Where do I park?

You will need to use one of UVU’s pay lots when you park on campus. There are 13 total. The Parking Garage next to the Student Life and Wellness building in the middle of campus is close to Fulton Library and costs $1 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum. It has a parking meter that will accept all major credit cards (we transitioned to a cashless system). The L4 Pay Lot is also close to the library but requires payment through the Passport phone application. You can find maps highlighting our pay lot locations and learn more about visitor parking options at the parking website.

Where is disabled parking available?

Disabled parking stalls are available in all UVU visitor lots. Vehicles displaying state-issued disabled license plates or placards may park in the disabled visitor pay stalls, at no charge, for up to 2 hours. Parking for longer than 2 hours in these disabled stalls will require payment at the regular posted rate.

Is there wheelchair access?

The Fulton Library entrances and the Bingham Gallery are wheelchair accessible. The Fulton Library has a limited number of wheelchairs available for check out. Visit the circulation desk on the first floor (across from the Bingham Gallery) to inquire about availability during your visit.

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

Other free resources are available to help you learn about Roots of Knowledge in addition to asking question of our docents. Some can be accessed online, allowing you to use them at home or on the go. Feel free to use these resources as a supplement or substitute for an in-person visit.

Audio Tours

Three audio tours are available: the Introductory tour, the Behind-the-Scenes tour, and a Combination tour.

Virtual Tour

The virtual tour features a photo of each window and provides identification and background information about any column, panel, or individual object the user selects.

Mobile App

The mobile app provides another version of the virtual tour that can be downloaded onto personal devices. This app will be available soon!

Brochure

Physical brochures are available for free near the doors to the Bingham Gallery.

Is seating available in the Bingham Gallery?

The Bingham Gallery is equipped with a limited number of benches placed near the windows at intervals. A few chairs are usually present in the room as well. If you schedule using our online form, you can explain your seating needs in either the “Additional Needs” box or “Event Set-Up Requests” box. If you schedule by calling Event Services, please explain your seating needs to the event coordinator. You can request additional accommodations through either of these means as well.

Does it cost to visit Roots of Knowledge?

Roots of Knowledge is free and open to the public for both 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 drop in to visit?

Drop in visits are welcome, and docents will be on hand to answer questions most days unless extenuating circumstances require modified operations. Usual docent hours are Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, and Saturday from 11am-5pm. Please check our Visit the Bingham Gallery webpage for information about modified operations.

How can I tell what is scheduled in the Bingham Gallery?

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 or record videos of Roots of Knowledge for personal, non-commercial use. This applies to school assignments and social media posts that are not monetized. Copyrights for Roots of Knowledge are held by Utah Valley University and Holdman Studios.

TOURS

How long does a tour take?

Scheduled tours typically take an 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 smaller groups to take separate tours.

Why can’t I schedule a tour the day before?

Tours must be scheduled at least four business days in advance to ensure the availability of a docent. 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’s Event Services to make changes to your reservation. They can be reached by phone at 801-863-8612 or by email at eventservices@uvu.edu.

Can I customize my tour?

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