Computer History Museum, Palo Alto Travel Guide

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Explore 2000 years of computing history with interactive exhibits, iconic artifacts, and inspiring stories at the Computer History Museum.

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Computer History Museum

The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA, offers a captivating exploration of computing's evolution. With interactive exhibits and a vast collection of artifacts, it's a must-see for tech enthusiasts and curious minds alike, showcasing everything from ancient abacuses to modern-day innovations.

A brief summary to Computer History Museum

1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, California, 94043, US
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Computer History Museum.

Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive exhibits and interactive displays.
Check the museum's calendar for guided tours, live demos, and special events to enhance your visit.
Take advantage of the free parking available at the museum.
Consider purchasing tickets online or through Groupon for potential discounts.
Download the museum's free app, CHM Tours, for a self-guided tour and additional insights into the exhibits.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown Mountain View, the Computer History Museum is accessible via public transportation. Take the VTA bus Route 40 from the Mountain View Transit Center (near the Caltrain station) to the Shoreline & Pear Avenue stop. The museum is a short walk from the bus stop. The bus fare is typically $2-$5. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Walking

From the Mountain View Caltrain station, it is approximately a 1.6-mile walk to the Computer History Museum, taking about 30 minutes. Head northeast on Evelyn Avenue, then turn left onto Shoreline Boulevard. Continue on Shoreline Boulevard until you reach the museum on your right. This is a straightforward and pleasant walk.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in Mountain View. A ride from the Mountain View Caltrain station to the Computer History Museum typically costs $10-$15 and takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Computer History Museum

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Computer History Museum (CHM) is a leading institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of computing and its impact on society. The museum boasts the largest international collection of computing artifacts in the world, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through over 2,000 years of computing history.The museum's exhibits guide you through the evolution of technology, from ancient calculating devices to modern-day innovations. Highlights include the Revolution: The First 2,000 Years of Computing exhibit, which traces the history of computing through 1,100 objects across 19 galleries, and the Make Software: Change the World exhibit, which explores the impact of groundbreaking applications. Interactive displays allow visitors to engage with the history, playing games like Pong and Spacewar!, and learning about the pioneers who shaped the digital landscape.CHM offers a variety of experiences, including guided tours, live demos of historic computers, and hands-on activities in the Learning Lab. The museum also hosts events, lectures, and workshops, providing deeper insights into specific topics. For those seeking a break, the Cloud Bistro café serves sandwiches, salads, and pastries, while the CHM Store offers tech-themed merchandise. The Computer History Museum is not just a repository of artifacts; it's a dynamic center that brings the history of computing to life, inspiring and educating visitors of all ages.