logo
ic_menu

Computer History Museum

Description

The Computer History Museum holds one of the largest collections of 'computing artifacts' in the world and explores the computing revolution as well as its impact on society. It is located in Moutain View, in California's Silicon Valley. Highlights includes Cray 1, Cray 2 and Cray 3 supercomputers, the Utah teapot (the 3D design equivalent of 'Hello World' in programming languages), an Apple 1, early gaming computers such as Atari and the first generation of Google's web servers. The collection also includes software and source code such as MacPaint 1.3 and Photoshop 1.0.1.

Access & Transport

The museum is directly along exit 398b (heading north) or 399 (heading south) from US-101 and less than 1km away from the Googleplex (Google's HQ) in Mountain View. Free parking available to visitors. The closest train and light rail station is 'Mountain View', 2.5km to the south.

Instructions & Recommendations

-

Meta review

Excellent and consistent online reviews for this museum that attracts a lot of tech fans but not only. Visitors are surprised at how large and comprehensive the collection is with sections covering early days computing (think abacus), the industrial revolution (punched cards and mechanical computers) through to the modern era. Many felt like they could relive their childhood through that historical progression.

Environmental & Social

We consider this museum only marginally negative from an environmental standpoint (electricity) and positive for its technical heritage and educational aspects.

Conclusion

A fantastic museum, for computer fans of course but not only - and being in SV, this is the perfect place for it. Expect some nostalgia going through 'primitive' models if you are born before 1990...

Key positive

Large collection

Very educational

Key negative

Slightly expensive for a cultural activity

Suitability

Best suited for adults and children 8 and above (interest-wise). Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday -

Wednesday10:00 - 17:00

Thursday10:00 - 17:00

Friday10:00 - 17:00

Saturday10:00 - 17:00

Sunday10:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$15
Adult
18 - 64
US$19
Teen & Young
11 - 17
US$15
Child
8 - 10
US$6.5
Infant
0 - 7
US$0
Price for students is $15

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.