Tom Rockwell● Recording
Experience Design

How San Francisco's Exploratorium Designs for Real Curiosity

Tom Rockwell
Tom Rockwell
Chief Creative Officer, Exploratorium
Jun 18, 2025

Tom Rockwell, Creative Director at San Francisco's Exploratorium, strolls through projects and practices from the museum and beyond. Drawing on 20 years designing experiences across science museums, playgrounds, and somatic practices, he reflects on facilitating authentic moments of inquiry, experimenting with immersivity, and setting the stage for life-changing encounters. He closes with musings on what meaning-rich, contemplative spaces might look like at this moment in history.

Tom Rockwell
Chief Creative Officer
Exploratorium

Chief Creative Officer at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, leading exhibits and media. Interests span human sciences, mathematics, and the relationship between science and art.