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EnglishWhat Exhibits Can I See at the Computer History Museum?
Updated
The Computer History Museum (CHM) in Silicon Valley currently features four main exhibits: REVOLUTION: The First 2000 Years of Computing, Chatbots Decoded: Exploring AI, Make Software: Change the World!, and the newly opened Extended Reality: Visions of the Future. Each covers a distinct slice of computing history, so which one you prioritize depends on whether you're most interested in the deep history of computing, AI, software, or emerging hardware. Note that the museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays; it's open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Four Main Exhibits
REVOLUTION: The First 2000 Years of Computing
This is the museum's flagship exhibit and the broadest in scope. It spans 19 galleries and 1,100 objects, tracing computing from early counting tools through to the modern era. The exhibit tells the stories of the pioneers and innovators behind the technologies that reshaped the world. You can experience it online or in person, which makes it a reasonable starting point if you want an overview before committing to a visit.
Chatbots Decoded: Exploring AI
This exhibit focuses specifically on chatbots and AI: what they are, where they came from, and why they matter. It's the most interactive of the group in one respect — you can have a conversation with a chatbot-powered robot — and it includes perspectives from experts on where AI may be heading. Choose this if your interest is current AI rather than historical computing.
Make Software: Change the World!
This exhibit narrows in on seven game-changing applications: MP3, Photoshop, MRI, Car Crash Simulation, Wikipedia, Texting, and World of Warcraft. It examines the history, impact, and technology behind each one. Like REVOLUTION, it can be experienced online or in person. This is the best fit if you're interested in how specific software products changed everyday life.
Extended Reality: Visions of the Future
The newest exhibit, described as opening "today" on the site. It covers the evolution of virtual reality, augmented reality, smart glasses, and AI-powered wearables, shown through more than 100 devices spanning six decades of innovation. Pick this one if hardware and immersive tech are your focus.
Quick Comparison
| Exhibit | Focus | Scale | Online option |
|---|---|---|---|
| REVOLUTION | Full history of computing | 19 galleries, 1,100 objects | Yes |
| Chatbots Decoded | Chatbots and AI | Interactive robot demo, expert commentary | Not stated |
| Make Software | Seven landmark applications | 7 applications profiled | Yes |
| Extended Reality | VR, AR, smart glasses, wearables | 100+ devices across 60 years | Not stated |
Practical Notes
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. Check the site for holiday closures before you go.
- Tickets and admission: The site links to a "Plan Your Visit" page for hours and admission details, and offers a ticket purchase option. Pricing isn't specified in the available information, so check the Plan Your Visit page for current rates.
- If you can't visit in person: REVOLUTION and Make Software are both explicitly available online, so you can explore those two remotely regardless of travel plans.
If you only have time for one exhibit and want the broadest context, REVOLUTION is the natural choice. If you're visiting specifically for AI or emerging tech, start with Chatbots Decoded or Extended Reality instead.