Rechenwerk Computer- & Technikmuseum Halle

Volunteer-run computer museum in Halle with GDR computing and data technology, from mechanical calculators to mainframes, much of it in working order.

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About the museum

The Rechenwerk emerged from the Digital Computer & Elektronik Arbeitsgemeinschaft Halle, a circle of volunteers who collect, repair and document computing technology from the GDR. Part of the collection was previously on view at the Chemiemuseum Merseburg; when the rooms there were needed for other purposes, the working group acquired a building of its own in order to secure the holdings over the long term. Since 2014 the museum has been located in a former beverage store on Saalfelder Straße, whose level floor and roller door are suitable for heavy mainframe parts; among other things, a historic data center floor was installed.

The exhibition arranges the devices by class and shows them, wherever possible, in working condition: mechanical and electromechanical calculating and accounting machines, typewriters, accounting and organizing automatons, desktop and pocket calculators, small computers such as the KC 85 or Z 1013, learning computers, Robotron office computers, process and minicomputers, and a special section with ESER mainframe technology. Western home computers serve for comparison. In addition, the association collects records, data carriers and documents on the history of the companies, whose records were often lost after 1990.

The museum is also a workshop: repairs and work are carried out among the exhibits, which deliberately gives the house the atmosphere of a GDR enterprise. The project is financed from its own funds and donations, and a support group assists it.

Highlights

GDR computing technology from mechanical calculating machines to ESER mainframes
Many devices in working condition
Small computers KC 85, KC 87 and Z 1013 and the LC 80 learning computer
Robotron office computers and process computers
Workshop atmosphere like a GDR enterprise

Permanent exhibitions

Computer- und Rechentechnik der DDR – Tour organized by device class, from calculating and accounting machines through small and office computers to process computers and mainframes, complemented by telecommunications and consumer electronics.

Founded: 2014
Operated by: Digital Computer & Elektronik Arbeitsgemeinschaft Halle

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

By public transit

Berliner Brücke

Tram to Berliner Brücke

By car

Parking available

Covered parking spaces directly in front of the museum.

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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
Audio guide	no
Good to know	Visits and tours by advance registration, preferably on Friday evenings during the working meeting. Reserve devices, spare parts and documentation outside the exhibition can be viewed by arrangement.