Big Things Are Coming!
CALL FOR ENTRIES: PaLO ALTO 2044
From Silicon Valley breakthroughs to global social change, Palo Alto has helped shape our modern world—and has long been a place people call home. Founded in 1894, the city will mark its 150th anniversary in 2044.
What could Palo Alto become? Help envision its future.
To celebrate the grand opening of the Palo Alto Museum in Fall 2026, we invite artists, writers, students, and visionaries from across Palo Alto’s neighborhoods and around the world to imagine Palo Alto at 150—its people, its place, and its possibilities.
Whether you live in Professorville or Paris, Midtown or Mumbai, Crescent Park or Curitiba, add your voice.
UPDATE ON MUSEUM OPENING
Many community members have invested time, expertise, resources, ideas, and heart to bring the Palo Alto Museum to life. When we shared news last month of the water intrusion in our building, you showed up again — with encouragement, technical expertise, financial support, and a firm belief in our mission. Community members, nonprofit leaders, donors, City Council and staff, and neighbors all reached out to say: We’re with you.
Thank you so much. Your support matters.
Meet Our President and CEO
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Marguerite Gong Hancock as the inaugural President & CEO of the Palo Alto Museum — a position made possible through a generous founding leadership gift from the Thoits family. A dynamic civic innovator, proven museum executive, and visionary leader, Marguerite brings decades of experience at the intersection of history, technology, culture and community engagement.
With deep local roots and global expertise, she is the ideal person to lead the Museum into an exciting new era as we prepare to open our doors in 2026 and beyond.
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WAYS TO GIVE
Make a gift to help open the Palo Alto Museum.
Steve Jobs & Palo Alto
Explore the iconic story of Steve Jobs’ influence and connection to Palo Alto.
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