THE PALO ALTO MUSEUM EXPLORES THE HUMAN STORIES BEHIND CHANGE
Change has a face. Usually more than one.
The Palo Alto Museum explores the human stories behind change: the people who ask what if, why not, who dares, what it costs, and what matters.
For one city, Palo Alto has an outsize influence on technology, culture, society, and the environment.
Through exhibitions, events, hands-on experiences, and conversations, we bring people together to understand how change happens and play a part in shaping it.
Come curious. Come connect. Come create what’s next.
The Palo Alto Museum is opening — one chapter at a time.
Starting October 10, we’re unveiling the museum in stages. Six pop-ups. Six chapters. One Palo Alto. Each chapter reveals something new — an exhibition in a gallery in our historic building, a set of stories, a gathering of people.
While we collaborate with the City of Palo Alto and expert partners to complete waterproofing and moisture control for the Roth Building and drainage improvements on the surrounding Heritage Park site, we’re bringing the Museum to you — one new chapter every month — all the way to our grand opening in April 2027.
Be part of the story as it unfolds.
Chapter One: Palo Alto Rocks!
Saturday, October 10, 4:00–6:00pm, Heritage Park | FREE
Presented in partnership with the City of Palo Alto.
We open with music. A free afternoon of live bands with Palo Alto ties, local trivia, ice cream, and prizes, right next door. Come meet the people bringing the museum to life, and weigh in on what we can build together.
Chapter Two: Palo Alto Stories
Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Museum
Step inside for a first look at two inaugural exhibits: Doña Juana Briones — healer, entrepreneur, and one of early California’s boldest women — and I AM PALO ALTO, a conversation with our AI docent PAM about five Palo Altans who changed the world. Hands-on activities, live music, and special guests.
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Coming This Winter and Spring
Each chapter offers a new experience — authors in conversation, an exhibition on Palo Alto’s movie breakthroughs and blockbusters, a kids zone with Palo Alto toys and inventions to play with, tech demos, art and florals, and more. Stay connected as the story unfolds — sign up for updates on what’s coming next.
COME CURIOUS. COME CONNECT. COME CREATE WHAT’S NEXT
Celebrate the Palo Alto Museum Grand Opening: April 2027
April 16 is our ribbon-cutting ceremony on the 133rd anniversary of the day Palo Alto’s founders filed with California to make the city official. Join our free community festival and full public opening April 17–18. Come be part of the celebration!
For the first time, all inaugural exhibitions will be open together: Doña Juana Briones, I AM PALO ALTO, From Hooves to Hollywood, Imagine a World Without Palo Alto, The Life of Trees, The Palo Alto Clinic Story, Kids Zone, and Palo Alto 2044.
We’ll launch public programs with a dynamic array of conversations, films, performances, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
Regular hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11am–4pm, with extended evening hours Thursdays until 8pm.
Founding Members get benefits and early, members-only access to every chapter along the way.
Plan your visit →  Become a member →  Sign up to hear what’s next →
Be part of the story from the start.
A Community Update from CEO Marguerite Gong Hancock
Last spring, we were close to opening — and many of you were right there with us. Then rains from January through April brought a series of water intrusions in our historic building — and you stayed with us.
I’d like to share what got us here, what this community did, where we stand now, and our announcement: the Palo Alto Museum will open in chapters. Monthly pop-up experiences begin October 2026, building toward our ribbon-cutting on April 16, 2027. Our story opens one chapter at a time. Come with us.
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