At the Museum
The Computer History Museum is the world's leading institution exploring the history of computing and its ongoing impact on society. It is home to the largest international collection of computing artifacts in the world, encompassing computer hardware, software, documentation, ephemera, photographs and moving images. The Museum brings computer history to life through an acclaimed speaker series, dynamic website, on-site tours, as well as physical and online exhibitions.
We invite you to experience our exhibitions and explore our extensive online resources.
Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing
Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing is a rich, multimedia exhibition that traces the history of modern computing, everything from the abacus to the smart phone.
Revolution is fun, informative and thought-provoking. It has something for everyone, from technical experts and geeks to curious non-techies who wonder how sophisticated computing technology ended up in, among other places, their microwave ovens. The exhibition spins the stories of computing history in an orientation theater, 19 galleries and five mini-theaters showing high-definition videos produced by the Museum. Each gallery is a themed mini-exhibition that covers a particular aspect of the evolution of computing.
The Babbage Engine
The Story of the First Computer Pioneer
Charles Babbage designed the first automatic computing engines but failed to build them. Now, 153 years after it was designed, Difference Engine No. 2, built faithfully to the original drawings, is here at the Computer History Museum. Discover the wonder of a future already passed.
PDP-1
The Mouse that Roared
The launch of Digital Equipment Corporation's PDP-1 (Programmed Data Processor-1) computer in 1959 marked a radical shift in the philosophy of computer design.
Mastering the Game
A History of Computer Chess
Explore computing history's five-decade-long quest to build a computer that could challenge the best human chess players. Learn the basics of designing computer chess software, listen to computer chess pioneers and watch dramatic footage from the 1997 match between IBM's Deep Blue and World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov.
Lectures & Events
The Computer History Museum holds events year-round dedicated to celebrating computer history. The Museum offers a highly respected speaker series with scholarly historical perspectives by and about the computing industry. Leading innovators, industry giants, engineers and scientists come to the Museum to share their personal insights and stories about developments and discoveries that have shaped our world. The Museum also hosts special events including industry commemorative reunions, technology conferences and computer fairs to capture and preserve stories and artifacts from the people who were instrumental in making computer history.
Shopping
Our 1,500 square foot Museum store supports the educational mission of the Museum by offering a comprehensive selection of scholarly and popular publications. The Museum shop also has a special focus on computer-related gifts and gadgets, and an excellent collection of computing nostalgia. The shop will be accessible through the main lobby during regular Museum hours.
Dining
Adjacent the Museum store, the Museum café has welcoming indoor bistro-style seating, with additional patio seating on the Museum's terrace. Operated by Mountain View-based ModernTaste, the café offers a broad menu to suit the tastes of any visitor. It is sure to become a magnet for coffee connoisseurs, with a wide selection of gourmet coffees and a Ferrari-designed espresso machine. Dining selections include a variety of hot sandwiches, like Lemon Rosemary Chicken with Apricot & Harley Farms Chèvre or Applewood Smoked Bacon, Aged Cheddar & Grilled Tomato made with fresh artisan breads and local ingredients, and freshly grilled on authentic Italian Panini presses. Complete a meal from a selection of soups, salads, pastries and desserts, or for a mid-afternoon snack, a Milk Chocolate Caramel Banana Panini.