Visitors can enjoy fi rst person insights from key innovators ABOUT BEZOS CENTER FOR INNOVATION
With the aim of “igniting the innovator within”, the Bezos Center for Innovation opened its doors at Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) last October. This US$10m (£6m,
€7.3m) extension to the 62-year-old museum furthers the vision of the museum to inspire people to create a better future for themselves and their communities It believes that
As potential future innovators, teenagers are a
key target audience
the preservation and exploration of the past is essential to effective decision making in the future.
Seattle has spawned
many of the world’s most successful companies, including Amazon, Starbucks, Nintendo. Microsoft, Expedia and Boeing. The centre is both
a celebration of this successful track record, and prepares the ground for more homegrown talent, inspiring high school kids to continue their city’s legacy. Amazon founder and
CEO, Jeff Bezos – who created the largest retailer on the internet – is the principle donor, allowing the museum to become a reality.
yet on the market. Their feedback was then used in games development.
How many companies are showcased? Hundreds. From big names like Boeing, Starbucks and Amazon to lots of companies that are still seeking venture capital. We’ve identifi ed some of the most cutting edge innovation companies, and although some may not be in business next year, we expect others to be shaping the world in 10 or 20 years.
Who’s the target audience? We’re a general museum, so we want to target everyone, but the main demographic we want to engage with is younger people at high school: the pre- teens and young teens who are receptive to information. We also want to reach young professionals.
AM 2 2014 ©Cybertrek 2014
How many visitors do you expect? In the last year, MOHAI has attracted 250,000, which is more than anticipated
in our business plan. It costs $14 (£8.40, €10.20) for adults, and under-15s go free.
What has been the response so far? Visitors have participated, become members, shared ideas and attended events, so the response has been great and we will keep growing and expanding.
What sort of community and educational programmes are you running? All young visitors get an innovation pack, in a backpack, to help them engage with the centre. We have also run classroom programmes, lectures and panel discussions and are identifying partnerships with Seattle companies.
What were the main challenges? Getting all of the stories and artefacts in. Making those decisions was hard because there are so many stories and people and voices.
How has the Bezos Center benefi ted the museum? It’s the fi rst thing you see on the visit, so whereas history museums usually start with the distant past and work up to present day, we begin our experience with today’s history, leading to a deeper history, making you think of the future.
What are you most proud of? There’s a cliché in the US: build it and people will come, but in the museum world you do wonder about that! So I’m very proud of the fact people are coming, engaging and learning. ●
Read Attractions Management online
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