The Computer Sheds

About the museum

The Computer Sheds house the Jim Austin Computer Collection, which was started in about 1986. It covers the development of computing from the earliest machines to the present day and includes mechanical, relay, valve, transistor and integrated-circuit computers.

The collection fills more than 10,000 square feet of buildings, grouped by manufacturer. It is known for a large number of Cray supercomputers, a big IBM mainframe, a wide range of Digital Equipment Corporation machines, early home computers and games consoles, calculators, and a separate shed of radios and valves. Individual items include a computer weighing over ten tonnes, a machine that ran for more than 30 years, and one of the first computer mice.

Because it is a private collection run by a group of volunteer helpers, it can only be seen on guided tours. These are arranged by contacting the owner in advance.

Highlights

• More than 1,500 computers from every generation
• Cray supercomputers and a large IBM mainframe
• Large collection of Digital Equipment Corporation machines
• Altair 8800 and part of EDSAC II
• Separate RadioShed with radios and valves

Permanent exhibition

• Jim Austin Computer Collection – More than 1,500 computers and thousands of related items, arranged by manufacturer, from early mechanical machines to supercomputers and home computers.

Founded

2012

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

There is no entry charge, but a donation is requested for the guided tour, typically £15 per person.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

The sheds are in Fimber on the East Yorkshire Wolds, about 20 miles east of York. The flyer shows the location off the A166.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit