Computermuseum der Informatik
Volunteer-run museum of the University of Stuttgart with working historical computers and calculating machines – open Tuesdays, free admission.
About the museum
The Computermuseum was created in the computer science department of the University of Stuttgart and opened in February 1997. Its core consisted of retired equipment left over in laboratories and institutes; later additions came from purchases out of university holdings and, above all, numerous donations, including computers from universities, government agencies, and observatories.
What makes it special: most of the exhibits are in working order or have been restored to working order. A small volunteer team led by museum director Klemens Krause has mastered the old programming languages, maintains a large stock of spare parts, and reconstructs missing parts, sometimes through reverse engineering or 3D printing. Besides demonstrations, the team's tasks include preserving historical storage media, scanning documentation, and helping others recover data.
The collection in the basement of the computer science building on the Vaihingen campus spans around 400 years: from a replica of Wilhelm Schickard's calculating machine through mechanical and electronic desk calculators, pocket calculators, and analog computers to minicomputers and early personal computers. Its showpieces include an LGP-30 magnetic drum computer, considered the oldest of its kind still running in Germany, an IBM 1130 system with punched cards, and computers of the PDP family. Since 2020 the online series "Abends im Computermuseum" (Evenings at the Computer Museum) has presented devices via livestream; in 2024 the museum received the Klaus Tschira Medal.
Highlights
- LGP-30 magnetic drum computer in operation
- IBM 1130 system with punched card processing
- Minicomputers of the DEC PDP family
- Replica of Schickard's calculating machine from 1623
- Mechanical and electronic desk and pocket calculators
- Monthly livestream "Abends im Computermuseum"
Permanent exhibitions
- Funktionsfähige Rechenmaschinen und Computer – From mechanical calculating machines through analog computers and desk calculators to minicomputers and early PCs – most devices are demonstrated in operation during guided tours.
- Founded
- 1997
- Operated by
- Universität Stuttgart, Fachbereich Informatik
- Director
- Klemens Krause
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission. Some adult education centers in the region (e.g., VHS Stuttgart, VHS Ludwigsburg) offer guided tours of the museum.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Universität
S-Bahn S1, S2, S3 to Universität, then a few minutes' walk across the Vaihingen campus to the computer science building (Universitätsstraße 38).
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group tours (approx. 90 minutes, in German or English) for up to 15–18 people by appointment with museum director Klemens Krause; the machines are demonstrated in operation. The telephone is staffed only part of the time. The museum also takes part in the annual Tag der Wissenschaft (Science Day) on campus. |
Museums nearby
Heimatmuseum im Spitalhof Möhringen
Graevenitz-Museum
Städtisches Lapidarium Stuttgart
Bibliorama – das Bibelmuseum Stuttgart
Museum Hegel-Haus
Linden-Museum
All 26 museums in Stuttgart All museums in Baden-Württemberg