Computer Museum NAM-IP

About the museum

The Computer Museum NAM-IP gives an overview of the evolution of computing and digital technology, from Hollerith’s statistical machine at the end of the 19th century, accounting machines and typewriters, to the first computers installed in Belgium in the 1960s and the personal computers of the 1980s and 1990s. Its route covers about three centuries of development across 500 m² and shows more than 300 objects.

The museum is based on four collections of pioneering computing in Belgium, brought together to preserve them from dispersal or destruction: the Bull-FEBB and Unisys Computer Museum collections, from major historic Belgian industrial groups, the “Informatique et bible” collection and the Systèmes de calcul collection, which came from a specialist collector. A fifth collection, from the Maison de la Métallurgie et de l’Industrie de Liège, has joined them. These collections belong by donation to the “Informatique pionnière en Belgique – Baanbrekende Informatika in België” fund of the King Baudouin Foundation, established in April 2013, which makes them inalienable.

The permanent exhibition follows two routes: one chronological, from the first calculating systems and punched-card machines up to computers with electronic components; the other focused on the collections, with a spotlight on pioneering Belgian computing. The museum relies on a community of volunteers and on donations.

Highlights

• 500 m² of exhibition space and more than 300 objects covering three centuries of computing
• Hollerith’s statistical machine and punched-card data processing
• First computers installed in Belgium in the 1960s
• Personal computers of the 1980s and 1990s
• Bull-FEBB and Unisys collections and other collections of pioneering Belgian computing
• Guided tours with a demonstration of a punched-card workshop

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente : histoire de l’informatique – Chronological route from the first calculating systems and punched-card machines up to computers with electronic components, with a spotlight on pioneering Belgian computing.

Admission & discounts

The ticket also gives access to the temporary exhibition. Free admission for teachers on presentation of their card and for holders of the museumPASSmusées; Article 27 ticket: €1.25 under certain conditions.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance is hard to reach because of a staircase, but a side entrance is provided for wheelchair users. The exhibition rooms are on one level, with widely spaced aisles. The car park has two spaces for people with reduced mobility near the entrance. Assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum organises treasure hunts (Pokémon hunt, Easter egg hunt), courses and the day “Les petits experts en informatique” (little computing experts). “Ordiversaire” formula for children’s birthdays: games on codes and programming, a themed treasure hunt or a board game of goose; minimum package of €130 for up to 10 children, €12.50 per additional child; responsible adult required; booking required.

Getting there & parking

By car, follow the signs to Namur Expo, then the “Computer Museum NAM-IP” signs along the Avenue Sergent Vrithoff and the Rue Henri Blès.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

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