PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, has announced that it has been commissioned to work with City Museum executive director Rick Erwin and his team on a multi-tier master plan.
“The master plan sets a bold vision of the attraction moving into the future to ensure that the City Museum continues to be a favorite attraction within Saint Louis,” says PGAV Vice President, Jeff Havlik.
An iconic attraction
The City Museum is an iconic attraction in St Louis, conceived by acclaimed artist Bob Cassilly. Since opening in 1997 the popular and wacky museum, with its adaptive repurposing of architectural and industrial salvage, has inspired a number of other art-based interactive attractions and exhibits.
“There are many things that City Museum does well – build slides, lose kids, and create memories,” says Erwin. “But we are not as good at getting large crowds in quickly, communicating where the bathrooms are, or even how to find us. So, we had to find someone to help us and it couldn’t be better that they are just down the street.”
“PGAV also being a St. Louis company, already knew our history, they’ve thrown parties at the museum, and they’ve worked with Bob on other projects, so it was a good fit. Plus, we’re still very committed to changing the skyline of St. Louis and I think we need a few more things on the roof. PGAV’s work around the world may help find us a couple of cool things to go along with the Ferris Wheel or spark other ideas.”
Expanding the guest experience
PGAV’s master plan aims to expand and diversify the guest experience while also staying true to the attraction’s much-loved original concept and style. The plan will work to enhance the operation and guest experience from arrival to entry, as well as to review circulation, guest flow and wayfinding throughout. It will also introduce more accessible experiences.
The master plan will tap into the Cassilly style to reimagine the culinary and retail offering at the museum, and will also analyse all of its current attractions, activities and exhibits, in order to plan better for the future.
“I first worked with Bob 34 years ago and am thrilled to be working with the City Museum which I consider Bob’s greatest achievement,” says Havlik. “While we are using our expertise in many types of destinations, the City Museum is unique unto itself, and we are dedicated to preserving the brand and the vision of the current creative crew at the museum by enhancing the guest experience.”
Last month, PGAV Destinations announced that Hui Chen, Amanda Yates and Jason Mills have been promoted to director-level positions. Earlier this year, the PGAV team also spoke to blooloop about the sixth annual Voice of the Visitor: Outlook on the Attractions Industry, and why they predict good times ahead for the attractions industry.
Top image credit Zak Littrell