Centre for Computing History
Independent computing museum in Cambridge with hands-on vintage computers and games consoles that tells the story of the Information Age.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centre for Computing History began in 2006 as an idea shared by three friends, one of whom, Jason Fitzpatrick, owned a large collection of computing objects. The founders wanted a hands-on museum of personal computing, and a company was formed in 2007. A charity followed in 2009, and it raised enough money to buy a building. The museum opened to the public in Cambridge in 2013 and gained Accredited Museum status in 2019.
The museum is based in the Muller Building on Rene Court, a business estate off Coldhams Road in the east of the city. Its main gallery houses the permanent exhibition, called Odyssey,. Visitors also find a re-created 1980s classroom, a gaming area for different generations of video games and a changing programme of displays and events.
Most of the machines on display can be switched on and used, from early home computers to games consoles, so visitors learn by trying. The museum works as an educational charity, with workshops and programmes for schools, and it has welcomed more than 160,000 visitors since it opened, including about 18,000 school pupils.
Highlights
- Odyssey, the permanent exhibition on the history of computing, in the main gallery
- Working vintage computers and games consoles that visitors can use
- Gaming Generations area with retro video games
- Re-created 1980s classroom with a big-screen racing game
- Accredited museum with a collection of historic computers, games and digital objects
Permanent exhibitions
- Odyssey – The permanent exhibition in the Main Gallery, telling the story of computing through historic machines.
- Gaming Generations – A hands-on area where visitors can play video games and consoles from several decades.
- Founded
- 2013
- Operated by
- Centre for Computing History (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £10Students, over 60s and disabled visitors |
| Children & teens | £8free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 16. |
| Seniors | £10Over 60s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | £10companion free · Concession price for blue badge holders, guide dog owners and members of a registered disability scheme; registered carers accompanying a paying visitor are free. |
| Students & apprentices | £10 |
| Groups | –School and learning groups book separately with their own price structure. |
| Families | £34Two adults and two children. |
| Family ticket, one adult and two children | £23.50 |
| One adult and one child | £17 |
| Extra child with a family ticket | £6.50Only with a family ticket. |
| Blue Light Card holder, adult | £10 |
| Blue Light Card holder, family (two adults, two children) | £33.50 |
| Home education, adult | £10 |
| Home education, child | £6 |
| MaxCard holder, family | £32 |
| Annual pass, adult | £60Unlimited general admission for 12 months; excludes evening events. |
| Annual pass, parent and child | £100 |
| Annual pass, family (two adults, two children) | £160 |
No booking is needed except for events. Prices shown are standard admission; a Gift Aid price about 10% higher is also offered (for example adult £13.20). Concession, Blue Light Card, home education and MaxCard rates exist for families as listed on the museum's website.
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 museum is open plan with no steps and all exhibits on one level, with plenty of room around the displays for wheelchairs. The entrance has a shallow ramp. A large accessible toilet with baby changing is in the front foyer. An accessible parking space outside the front door can be reserved by phone at least 24 hours ahead. A visual story for the visit can be viewed online. Guide dogs and registered service dogs are welcome; other dogs are not allowed.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £34 · Two adults and two children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children can play on working vintage computers and retro games consoles. Children's retro gaming birthday parties take place in the early evening, Wednesday to Sunday, for £275 to £350 depending on the number of children. Family tickets and discounted rates for home-educating families are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Coldham's Lane
The museum is a 30 minute walk from Cambridge station and a 36 minute walk from Cambridge North station. The number 17 bus towards Fulbourn passes along Coldham's Lane, but runs only every two hours. The Citi 3 bus runs every 10 minutes to the junction of Coldham's Lane and Newmarket Road, from where it is a short walk.
By car
Free parking
There is limited free parking immediately outside the building, with more space at weekends; the car park can fill up, so visitors may need to park nearby. Bike racks stand to the right of the front entrance.
- Accessible parking
Approach from the A1134 onto Coldham's Lane and turn into the commercial estate on Coldham's Road. The turning into Rene Court is just before the railway level crossing; do not cross the level crossing. Brown tourist signs read 'Computer Museum'.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum has a shop. Shops, restaurants and cafés are in the Beehive Centre, about a 5 minute walk away.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 140 guests.
The Main Gallery seats up to 120 people theatre style (140 standing) and the Hauser Studio seats 50. Both can be hired for conferences, receptions, product launches and private celebrations. Children's retro gaming parties are held in the early evening, after opening hours.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Children aged 14 or under may not visit unaccompanied, and an adult accompanying a child under 14 must be 16 or over. Most exhibits that are switched on can be used, but controllers, keyboards and joysticks must be handled with care, and running is not allowed. Food and drink are only allowed at the foyer tables. A 360-degree online tour is available. Schools and colleges can book group visits. |
