A Guide to Visiting the Computer Museum of America in Atlanta
The Computer Museum of America is one of the world’s largest collections of computers, technology, and artifacts from the Digital Revolution. Head to the Atlanta suburb of Roswell to see technology of our past, present, and the near future.
A special thanks to the staff of the Computer Museum of America for giving us a tour of the facility! As always, all opinions are my own.
About the Computer Museum of America
Tech-enthusiast Lonnie Mimms has been collecting computing history from hardware to software to prototypes for years. Just a fraction of his over 300,000-piece collection is on display at the Computer Museum of America in Roswell.
The Computer Museum of America opened in July 2019 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing. It is currently the largest technology museum on the East Coast. With its plans to expand, it is set to become among the largest technology museums in the world.
The museum has many rare and valuable pieces on display, like a German Enigma machine from World War II, as well as the largest collection of vintage supercomputers in the world.
Explore the Computer Museum of America
Timeline of Computer History
Take a look at our digital past, from the invention of the abacus to modern gaming systems. This exhibit takes you through the decades of technological history with a detailed timeline and artifacts like an original Apple 1, the RadioShack TRS80, and the Gameboy.
Retro Gaming Corner
Try your hand at some of your favorite old video games set up on their original gaming systems. This hands-on section also has a collection of retro arcade and pinball games.
Byte Wall Magazine Collection
The Computer Museum of America features a complete collection of Byte Magazine covers and special editions. Check out the intricate artwork from early publications, including two original Robert Tinney artwork covers.
A Tribute to Apollo 11
This exhibit gives a brief history of the U.S. Space Race, the Saturn V rocket, and our trek to the moon. An animated documentary “Getting to the Moon and Back” details the Saturn V rocket launch, meanwhile dioramas set the scene from Apollos 11 through 17.
But the main attractions are the types of computers NASA used in getting us to the moon, like an IBM 3420, a front panel of an IBM 360, modular computer systems, an Apollo Ordinance Computer, and more.
Supercomputing
The Supercomputing exhibit illustrates how these machines impact our everyday lives, from reporting the weather to making films.
On display are more than 70 supercomputers like the Cray 1A, Pixar Image Computer, and Sun Microsystems. Take a look at the ranking of fastest super computers and see how far technology has come.
The Enigma Machine
The Computer Museum of America has an Enigma machine in near-perfect condition. This 3 rotor model on display was purchased in 1936 by the German army.
This is a rare and coveted piece. Of the 40,000 Enigma machines produced, less than 300 are believed to remain today.
Things to Do at the Computer Museum of America
Attend Special Events and Programs
The Computer Museum of America offers plenty of special programs and events throughout the year. These include summer camps, story time for kids, punch card machine demonstrations, recycle drives, an adults-only after-hours Bytes & Brews event, and more.
The museum also offers event spaces for corporate events, social gatherings, and conventions.
Find a Nerdy Memento at the Gift Shop
Take home a souvenir from your visit. The museum gift shop is located at the admission entrance and is open during museum hours.
Visiting the Computer Museum of America
Here are some important things to know when visiting the Computer Museum of America: No food or drinks are permitted in the museum except for sealable water bottles. Any oversized bags will have to remain at the admissions entrance until your visit is complete.
You are allowed to take pictures and record video inside the museum. There are even a few selfie spots throughout the exhibits.
Location: 5000 Commerce Pkwy, Roswell, GA 30076
Admission: Admission costs $15 for adults; $12 for seniors 65+, military with ID, and college students with ID; $10 for ages 4-17; and free for children und 4.
Hours: The museum is open Thursdays-Fridays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
Parking: Parking is free.
Computer Museum of America FAQ
Most people spend on average 1.5 hours touring the museum.
Food and drink are not permitted in the museum; however ,water bottles are allowed.
Photos and videos may be taken throughout the museum.
Craving More Atlanta Activities?
If you need more things to do while visiting Atlanta, check out these top posts:
- Top 15 Nerdy Spots in Atlanta, Georgia for Geeks to Hang Out
- Literary Places in Atlanta That Book-Lovers Will Love
- Atlanta Brick Con: A LEGO Fan Event For All Ages
Where to Stay in Atlanta
- Top Hotel: The Candler Hotel
- Great Value: Hampton Inn & Suites Perimeter Dunwoody
- Unique Stay: Stonehurst Place
Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
- Save on Attractions: Save 42% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Cheers!
Paige
Are you planning on visiting the Computer Museum of America in Atlanta? Let me know in the comments!
