Computer History Museum
Revolution follows computing from calculating machines through code, personal devices, the internet, and artificial intelligence.
Artwork inspired by Noah Purifoy
Revolution follows computing from calculating machines through code, personal devices, the internet, and artificial intelligence. Working demonstrations and oral histories prevent the story from becoming a parade of obsolete boxes. Useful scale comes from three specifics: founded, 1996; collection, Computing history; and location, Silicon Valley.
Choose one system you recognize and trace backward to the hardware, labor, standards, and institutions that made it possible. Demonstrations run on limited schedules, galleries can close for events, and the museum is not in central San Francisco despite frequent tourist listings. Close attention to Revolution gallery, Difference Engine, and oral histories turns the visit from a collection of sights into a connected argument about this place.
- Founded
- 1996
- Collection
- Computing history
- Location
- Silicon Valley
Quick guide
- Set the context
- Choose one system you recognize and trace backward to the hardware, labor, standards, and institutions that made it possible.
- Do not miss
- Compare Revolution gallery with Difference Engine, then use oral histories to test what the site is trying to communicate.
Know before you go
- Set the context
- Choose one system you recognize and trace backward to the hardware, labor, standards, and institutions that made it possible.
- Do not miss
- Compare Revolution gallery with Difference Engine, then test that reading against oral histories.
- Place in context
- Founded: 1996; Collection: Computing history; Location: Silicon Valley
- Plan the arrival
- For Computer History Museum, use the reviewed visitor entrance at 1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043. Before visiting Computer History Museum, check current parking, transit, reservation.
Good to know
Demonstrations run on limited schedules, galleries can close for events, and the museum is not in central San Francisco despite frequent tourist listings.
Notice these
- Revolution gallery
- Difference Engine
- oral histories