Google Opens Visits to Its Mountain View HQ Hub

Google has opened on Thursday its all-new "Visitor Experience," an all-in-one plaza "designed intentionally for the general public."

Today, we're opening our doors to the public with the new Google Visitor Experience in Mountain View, California. Ready to plan your visit? Get started here ↓ https://t.co/OudUTHVmDs

— Google (@Google) October 12, 2023

The new hub located in Google's Mountain View headquarters features a dedicated space for community groups and nonprofits to hold meetings or events, a cafe that serves light meals including sandwiches, soup, and desserts, as well as a retail store and crafts place, similar to the company's first installment in New York.

Visitors can also enjoy six interactive art pieces courtesy of the Burning Man Project, alongside artworks from members of the Google Art Residency. 

"We're excited to invite folks from the community and beyond to come together in new ways with us," the company wrote in a blog post. 

According to executives, the Visitor Experience had been in the works for several years and came in light of the need for shared, in-person spaces.

“It’s a step in not being an ivory tower and hopefully it can be a blueprint for how the community can be more involved," shared Michelle Kauffman, the campus' research and design director. 

Google Follows Meta in Opening Public Spaces

Google continues the trend of tech conglomerates creating shared spaces to give customers a glimpse of its innovations, company culture, and products.

Last year, Meta introduced the Meta Store, a retail space made to provide customers with a hands-on experience with its hardware products like the Meta Portal, Ray-Ban Stories, and Meta Quest headsets.

It also opened its doors to Meta Park, a 2.2-hectare open space at the heart of Menlo Park, where visitors will be met with urban greenery and various flora and fauna.

Edited by Nikola Djuric