One of the giants of Silicon Valley and the worldwide computer industry, Intel is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. As a very involved part of the community that it calls home, Intel has set up a museum that delves into the world of semiconductors in general and their processes specifically, and opened it to the public.

Offering a 10,000 square foot space that details the history and science behind the mysteries of semiconductors and the origins and path of the computer industry, Intel allows the public free reign and free admission to this attraction. Children and adults are welcomed into the museum itself during regular open hours or on complete tours and educational programs by appointment. Visitors are encouraged to explore the various processes and materials used in the creation of chips and circuit boards, don a bunnysuit (the suits that engineers wear in “clean” manufacturing facilities), and even take a peek at the “Museum of Me”!

Intel’s museum contains one of the only photograph collections of its kind, depicting their workers throughout the years with photos dating back to the 1960’s. The photos show a side of the computer industry that we often overlook – the people involved in the business of changing the landscape of the computer industry. With photos and artifacts such as personally decorated labcoats and alterations (such as those made to fit the length of the popular miniskirts of the 60’s) viewers are able to get a glimpse of the often-quirky culture that has always been a part of Silicon Valley.

With an in depth look at the history of the computing industry, and Intel’s changing product line over the years, this is an exceptionally relevant and educational stop for anyone who would like to understand the evolution of computers more, but particularly for children.

Intel’s history in the computing industry goes back many years, and spans the production of equipment that powers cell phones, computers, networking equipment, and more. Visitors are sure to be intrigued by the variety of exhibits showcasing everything from company culture and Silicon Valley history to hands-on computer part demonstrations and games.

The Intel Museum was begun in the 1980’s as an internal history project to be used as a means for the company to track its growth and history. Opening to the public in 1992, it closed briefly and expanded in 1999 to more than three times the original size. Having just reopened again after another round of renovations in July of 2011, children around the Bay Area will be able to experience it anew with fresh new exhibits and instructional programming.

Intel Museum
2200 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408)765-0503
www.intel.com/about/companyinfo/museum


Regular Museum and Museum Store Hours:

• M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM PDT
• Sa 10:00AM-5:00PM PDT
• Parking and admission are free to the public.
• For tours or educational outings please call or book online.