COMPUTER HISTORY MUSEUM
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA
Also located in Silicon Valley (and Google’s hometown), this museum features
an impressive collection of artifacts related to the history of computing,
including hardware, software, documents, ephemera, photographs, and moving
images. One of the coolest exhibits is “Revolution: The First 2000 Years of
Computing.” It details the beginning stages of the technological revolution and
gives visitors hands-on interaction with some early prototypes of smartphones,
computers, and software. Looking at the wide array of premodern versions of
devices we now use every day is a fascinating and, at times, hilarious experience
(you’ve gotta love those brick-sized cell phones!).
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
CHICAGO, IL
The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is one of the most massive
science museums in the world, with a fascinating array of hands-on, up-close-
and-personal exhibits and presentations. A lot of science museums are geared
toward kids, which is great, but this is one museum that won’t bore or
disappoint adults. Highlights include a trippy mirror maze, lots of VR exhibits,
ÀLJKWVLPXODWRUVDVWRUPIDFWRU\DQGWKHDELOLW\WRSOD\ZLWKD'SULQWHU