What is the Long Now Foundation / The Interval at Long Now?

The Long Now Foundation is a nonprofit cultural institution founded in 1996. Its San Francisco location, The Interval, is an award-winning bar, café, exhibit space, and event venue designed as a public space for discussing civilization-scale ideas and long-term thinking.

Regular hours are Monday 5–10 PM, Tuesday through Friday 10 AM–11 PM, Saturday 5–11 PM, and Sunday 3–10 PM.

It is located at 2 Marina Boulevard in Fort Mason Center Building A, San Francisco, right next to Greens Restaurant.

What is it known for?

The Interval is known for its exhibits on long-term thinking, a floor-to-ceiling library, and a chalkboard drawing robot.

Do I need a reservation?

No, The Interval generally does not accept reservations.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Long Now Foundation / The Interval at Long Now in San Francisco

Long Now Foundation / The Interval at Long Now

A unique fusion of a bar, café, and museum dedicated to long-term thinking, featuring a floor-to-ceiling library and a chalkboard drawing robot in a historic Fort Mason facility.

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What to know

The Interval at Long Now is a multifaceted cultural hub serving as the home of the Long Now Foundation. Founded in 1996 by Stewart Brand, Danny Hillis, and Brian Eno, the foundation focuses on civilization-scale ideas. The Interval opened its doors in June 2014, occupying a 1930s-era facility within the Fort Mason Center to provide a public space for discussing the distant future and the ancient past. Inside the venue, visitors will find an environment designed to provoke imagination. The space is characterized by a library that stretches from floor to ceiling and exhibits specifically focused on long-term thinking. Adding a touch of mechanical whimsy, the venue also features a chalkboard drawing robot that operates within the space. Beyond its role as an exhibit space, The Interval functions as an award-winning bar and café. It serves artisan coffee, tea, and craft cocktails, creating a social atmosphere where guests can engage with the foundation's programming. This includes the Long Now Talks, a lecture series launched in 2003 that has featured more than 400 leading thinkers. Located at 2 Marina Boulevard, the venue sits right next to Greens Restaurant. It operates as a community space and event venue, welcoming the public most evenings to explore the intersection of hospitality and intellectual curiosity.

Visitor tips

Visit between 10 AM and 11 PM Tuesday through Friday for the widest range of availability.
Note that the venue generally does not accept reservations, so arrive early during busy evenings.
Check for holiday closures, such as June 19, before planning your visit.
Pair your visit with a walk through the neighboring Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.

Nearby context

The Interval is situated in Building A of the Fort Mason Center, placing it in a vibrant arts district. It is located immediately adjacent to Greens Restaurant and is within easy walking distance of Crissy Field, allowing visitors to transition from intellectual contemplation to scenic waterfront views.

Quick facts