INSPIRATION FOR THE PX

The PX is an idea grounded in its park location; informed by extensive research on museums, cultural institutions, and parks; and based on a keen understanding of Presidio visitor needs and desires. In conceiving of the PX, the Conservancy reached out to experts and practitioners throughout the Bay Area and across the country to gather the best and latest thinking in public programming.

In addition, the Conservancy carefully studied literature on macro-level trends and best practices. National studies—by entities such as the Institute for the Future of Museums and the James Irvine Foundation—focus on America’s rapidly changing demographics and the need for a more interactive and engaging programmatic mix.

These reports conclude that the way to attract younger and more diverse audiences to cultural institutions is through programs that are more participatory, dynamic, spontaneous, and audience-focused. According to a 2013 article, “The Learning Museum: New Trends in Museums of the 21st Century,” this type of participation "is useful shorthand for opening up museums to a range of voices."