The Interval at Long Now
The Interval at Long Now is a bar, café, and venue in San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center committed to fostering long-term thinking and conversation. It serves as a physical hub for The Long Now Foundation, an organization promoting responsibility for the long-term future. The space distinguishes itself through its unique atmosphere, curated library, and programming focused on timescales beyond the immediate present.
History
The Long Now Foundation was established in 1996 by Danny Hillis, a computer scientist, and other thinkers concerned with the accelerating pace of change and the potential loss of long-term perspective. The foundation’s initial projects included the 10,000 Year Clock (Clock of the Long Now), designed to function for millennia, and the Rosetta Project, an archive of human languages. The need for a physical space to support these endeavors and facilitate discussion led to the creation of The Interval. [1]
The Interval opened in 2014 within a historic former military building at Fort Mason Center, a location chosen for its connection to maritime history and its views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The building underwent extensive renovation to create a space that reflects the foundation’s ethos. The design incorporates elements of both historical preservation and modern technology, aiming to create an environment conducive to contemplation and dialogue. The space was conceived not merely as a bar or café, but as a “museum of the future,” offering a tangible representation of long-term thinking. [2]
Geography
The Interval is located within the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, a sprawling complex situated on the northern waterfront of San Francisco. Fort Mason itself occupies a prominent position overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands. The specific address places The Interval within a historically significant area, once a bustling U.S. Army transportation hub during World War II. [3]
The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of parkland, art galleries, and performance venues. Crissy Field, a popular recreational area, lies adjacent to Fort Mason, offering walking and biking paths along the waterfront. The neighborhood benefits from accessibility via public transportation, including bus lines and proximity to the Presidio Parkway. The location’s geographic context contributes to its atmosphere, providing a sense of both historical depth and connection to the natural environment. [4]
Culture
The Interval’s cultural programming centers around the themes of long-term thinking, technological innovation, and the preservation of knowledge. Regular events include lectures, seminars, and performances featuring experts in fields such as science, technology, history, and the arts. The space serves as a venue for discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing humanity over extended timescales. A key element of the cultural experience is the curated library, which contains a diverse collection of books, artifacts, and mechanical devices related to long-term projects and historical perspectives.
The atmosphere within The Interval is intentionally designed to encourage conversation and contemplation. The space features a large, communal table made from a single slab of wood, intended to foster a sense of shared experience. The décor incorporates elements of both historical and futuristic design, reflecting the foundation’s interest in bridging the past and the future. The establishment also operates as a fully functional bar and café, offering a range of beverages and light fare, intended to facilitate relaxed interaction and intellectual exchange. [5]
Attractions
Beyond its role as a gathering place, The Interval features several specific attractions that draw visitors. The library, containing over 3,000 curated volumes, is a significant draw for those interested in long-term thinking and related subjects. The collection includes rare books, technical manuals, and works of fiction that explore themes of time, technology, and human history. The space also showcases a collection of mechanical calculators and other historical computing devices, providing a tangible link to the evolution of technology.
Another attraction is the ongoing series of events and programs. These events often feature presentations by leading thinkers and innovators, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the Long Now Foundation’s mission. The Interval also hosts occasional musical performances and art exhibitions that align with its cultural themes. The physical space itself, with its unique design and historical setting, is considered an attraction, offering a distinctive environment for exploration and reflection. [6]
Getting There
The Interval at Long Now is accessible via several modes of transportation. Public transportation options include the 28, 29, 30, and 43 Muni bus lines, which stop near Fort Mason Center. The Presidio Parkway provides vehicular access to the area, with parking available at Fort Mason, though it can be limited during peak hours. Bicycle access is encouraged, with bike racks available near the entrance.
For those arriving from outside San Francisco, the nearest major transportation hubs are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). From either airport, travelers can utilize a combination of BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni bus lines to reach Fort Mason. Walking is also a viable option from nearby neighborhoods such as Marina and Presidio Heights, offering scenic views of the waterfront and Golden Gate Bridge. [7]