What Is computerhistory.org? A Guide to the Computer History Museum Online

Updated

computerhistory.org is the official website of the Computer History Museum (CHM), a museum in Silicon Valley dedicated to the technology, people, and ideas that shaped the digital world. The site works as both a visitor hub for the physical museum and a free online resource: you can browse collections, timelines, blog posts, podcasts, and several full exhibits without leaving your browser. It's useful if you want to research computing history, plan a visit to the museum, or explore exhibits like REVOLUTION and Chatbots Decoded online.

What CHM Is

CHM describes itself as being "in the heart of Silicon Valley," where it holds world-class exhibits, iconic artifacts, and stories of the pioneers and innovators behind everyday technologies. The site frames its purpose around seeing how computing has evolved and considering where it may go next.

What You Can Do Online

The site's Explore section is the main draw for remote visitors. Key resources include:

  • Collections – a searchable catalog of artifacts and materials (the site includes a collection catalog search).
  • Timelines – chronological views of computing history.
  • CHM Blog and Stories – written coverage of people, events, and technologies.
  • Playlists and the Decoding Tech Podcast – audio and curated media.
  • Activities & Resources – materials tied to the exhibits.
  • Source Code – a listed online resource.

Several exhibits are explicitly available online as well as in person, so you don't need to travel to Silicon Valley to use them.

Main Exhibits

Exhibit What it covers
REVOLUTION: The First 2000 Years of Computing 19 galleries, 1,100 objects, and stories of the pioneers who started the computing revolution. Available online or in person.
Chatbots Decoded: Exploring AI What chatbots are, where they come from, and why they matter; includes a conversation with a chatbot-powered robot and expert perspectives on AI's future.
Make Software: Change the World! The history, impact, and technology behind seven applications: MP3, Photoshop, MRI, Car Crash Simulation, Wikipedia, Texting, and World of Warcraft. Available online or in person.
Extended Reality: Visions of the Future The evolution of VR, AR, smart glasses, and AI-powered wearables, shown through more than 100 devices spanning six decades. Described as a new exhibit.

Visiting in Person

If you plan to go, the posted hours are:

  • Monday and Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

The site notes holidays and closures separately, so check those before a trip. The Visit section covers planning your visit, exhibits, tours, group visits, events, and venue information. Tickets and donations are handled through the site, and there is a physical shop plus an online store with tech-inspired gifts.

Events and Membership

CHM lists upcoming events, such as Cars—Computers on Wheels, Data Are Made, Not Found, and SRI at 80. The site also offers a newsletter sign-up and a Subscribe option. Note that "Subscribe" appears as a pricing-related signal on the site, but the available information does not specify what it costs or what it includes—so don't assume it's free or paid without checking the subscription page directly.

Who This Site Is For

  • Researchers and students who want collections, timelines, and source material on computing history.
  • AI and software enthusiasts interested in exhibits like Chatbots Decoded and Make Software.
  • Prospective visitors who need hours, ticketing, tour, and event details.
  • Educators looking for group and school visit options and exhibit-based resources.

If your goal is simply to understand computing history, start with the online exhibits and timelines. If you're planning a trip or want event access, use the Visit and Events sections, and confirm current hours, ticket requirements, and subscription terms on the site itself, since those details can change.