Computermuseum der HAW Kiel

About the museum

The collection goes back to an association founded in December 1981 to save important calculating machines and typewriters from being scrapped. As early as March 1982, it put on one of Germany's first computer exhibitions in the premises of the Datenzentrale Schleswig-Holstein, today's Dataport.

In 1990 the Fachhochschule Kiel (Kiel University of Applied Sciences) took over the collection, which had grown considerably by then, and the association became its friends' association. Due to a lack of space and money, most of the objects spent many years in storage. In 2006 the university decided to buy the above-ground bunker on Eichenbergskamp from the federal government. Built in 1941, the bunker was converted starting in 2010, during which a large window opening was cut into the concrete. The museum opened on June 14, 2011.

Across some 800 square meters, it traces the development from mechanical calculators through relay and vacuum-tube computers to transistor technology, integrated circuits and PCs of the late 1990s. One focus is Konrad Zuse; several computers built by Zuse KG are listed as protected historic objects. An entire floor is devoted to home computers from Commodore, Atari, Apple and IBM.

Films, media stations, emulators of old systems and a VR station complement the objects. Today the museum is part of the HAW Kiel's Center for Cultural and Science Communication, which also includes the Mediendom planetarium.

Highlights

• Zuse Z11 relay computer and Zuse Z22 vacuum-tube computer
• Mainframes from the 1950s to the 1980s, including a Cyber 76 supercomputer
• An entire floor of home computers from Commodore, Atari, Apple and IBM
• Emulation PCs for trying out old systems such as the C64
• VR station "Butterfly Box" on computer history
• Converted 1941 air-raid bunker as the museum building

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zur Computergeschichte – Covers 800 m², from mechanical calculators through Zuse computers and mainframes to home and personal computers, placing the technology in its historical context.

Founded

2011

Operated by

Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Kiel (HAW Kiel)

Admission & discounts

Public guided tour on the first Saturday of the month at no extra charge; VR station included in admission.

Accessibility

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

According to the website, accessible entrance; further details on elevator and restrooms are not provided. Pets not allowed, except assistance animals.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Emulation PCs and a VR station to try out for yourself.

Getting there & parking

By the Schwentine ferry F2 (Mon–Sat) from Reventlou; a few minutes' walk from the landing.

Amenities & dining

VR station "Butterfly Box" and emulation PCs to try out.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Rooms for birthdays, holiday parties, company outings and anniversaries; can be combined with the Mediendom and other HAW facilities.

Plan your visit