Computer History Museum
4.7(7.7K)google
4.4(394)yelp
ScienceHistoryEducational
Overview
The Computer History Museum stands proudly as the world's absolute premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving the massive artifactual heritage of the digital revolution, located in nearby Mountain View. The museum houses an unparalleled collection of rare computing antiquities, including the massive 1950s mainframes, early Apple-1 prototypes, and pioneering self-driving vehicles. The flagship exhibit, 'Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing', offers tech enthusiasts a deeply immersive, technical journey through time.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeWednesday to Sunday mornings at 10 AM opening when the large-scale computer demonstration live labs are fully staffed.
Getting ThereLocated at 1401 N Shoreline Blvd. Excellent accessibility with a massive, 100% free private customer parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Weekly closure warning: Strictly closed every Monday and Tuesday. Online tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
- Do not miss the live IBM 1401 mainframe demonstrations run by retired engineers. Ask the desk for the daily schedule immediately upon entry.
- ASTC Travel Passport program: Valid out-of-region science museum member cards grant complimentary ticket redemptions under reciprocity rules.
Reviews
Positive
- The world's most definitive museum of computing history from abacus to AI chips. An absolute pilgrimage site for engineers.
Heads up
- Features ultra-dense technical texts without comprehensive foreign translations; can be dry for non-tech individuals.