List of computer museums facts for kids

This museum shows old computers, like the Apple I.

A computer museum is a special place where you can learn about the history of computers. It's like a treasure chest filled with old computer parts, software, and stories about how technology has changed over time. These museums help us understand how computers were invented, how they grew, and how they became the amazing tools we use today. They collect, protect, study, and show off these important pieces of history for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Some computer museums are big sections inside larger science museums, like the Science Museum, London in the United Kingdom or the Deutsches Museum in Germany. Other museums are all about computers! For example, the Computer History Museum in California, USA, and The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park in the UK are dedicated just to computing.

These museums often show different parts of computer history. Some focus on the very first computers, while others highlight the start of personal computers, like the Apple I and Apple II systems, or older Mac models. Some museums are more about studying and keeping old computers safe, while others are designed to be super fun and educational for visitors. There are also private collections that you can sometimes visit by asking ahead of time.

Computer Museums Around the World

Computer museums are found all over the globe, each with its own unique collection and focus. Here are some examples from different continents.

Asia's Computer History

Asia has several interesting computer museums.

• In South Korea, the Nexon Computer Museum in Jeju Province is a popular spot.
• The Israeli Personal Computer Museum is located in Haifa, Israel.
• In Japan, the IPSJ Computer Museum is a virtual museum, meaning you can explore it online! It also has "satellite museums" in different cities, like the KCG Computer Museum in Kyoto.

Oceania's Tech Treasures

Australia and New Zealand also have places to explore computer history.

• In Australia, The Australian Computer Museum Society in NSW has a very large collection of old computers.
• The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney also features computer exhibits.
• In New Zealand, you can find Techvana in Auckland.

Europe's Digital Past

Europe is home to many significant computer museums.

• The Science Museum, London in the United Kingdom has a fantastic computer section.
• The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park in the UK is famous for its role in World War II code-breaking.
• The Centre for Computing History in Cambridge, UK, is another great place to visit.
• In Germany, the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum in Paderborn is one of the largest computer museums in the world.
• The Computerspielemuseum Berlin in Berlin, Germany, focuses on the history of video games.
• In Italy, the VIGAMUS in Rome is a museum dedicated to video games.
• Museo Bolo in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Peek&Poke in Rijeka, Croatia, are also popular.

North America's Computing Journey

North America has many museums that celebrate computer history.

• In the United States, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, is one of the most well-known.
• The American Computer & Robotics Museum in Bozeman, Montana, showcases both computers and robots.
• The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. has important computer exhibits.
• For video game fans, the National Videogame Museum in Frisco, Texas, is a must-see.
• In Canada, the Personal Computer Museum in Brantford, Ontario, is a great place to see old personal computers.

South America's Tech Heritage

South America also has museums dedicated to computing.

• In Brazil, the Museu do Computador in São Paulo is a notable example.
• Espacio TEC in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, also explores the history of technology.

Online Computer Museums

You don't always have to visit a physical building to explore computer history! Many museums exist online, allowing you to see collections and learn from anywhere with an internet connection.

• The ICL Computer Museum (UK)
• Old Computer Museum
• HP Computer Museum
• IBM Archives
• TAM (The Apple Museum) focuses on Apple computers and products.
• The Malware Museum lets you safely explore old computer viruses from the 80s and 90s that have been made harmless.
• The Russian Virtual Computer Museum shares the history of Soviet computers.

Images for kids

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  The National Computer & Communications Museum

See also

• List of video game museums
• History of computer hardware
• Retrocomputing
• Vintage Computer Festival