Step through the screen and into TNMOC this summer
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Step through your screen and into The National Museum of Computing this summer
3D and virtual curated tours let you explore the world's largest collection of working historic computers. Speak to experts on the codebreaking machines of WWII, those maintaining the world’s oldest working digital computer – and more!
The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park, Friday 7th August 2020 – The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) has virtually opened its doors for anyone to visit and take a tour of the world’s largest collection of working historic computers.
Wherever visitors live, they can now journey through the history of modern computing from its very beginnings to the present day at TNMOC - from the comfort of their PC or device. Visitors can stroll through a new, virtual experience – unguided or with one of the museum’s experts for a live, virtual tour where they will gain first-hand insight and knowledge about the 50,000 artefacts in the museum’s unique collection. In going virtual, the museum can remain connected with the community – especially those self-isolating and unable to leave their homes because of COVID-19 – while also throwing open the doors to people yet to visit, with an interactive experience that’s educational and exciting for all. The virtual tour has been made possible thanks to funding from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
Highlights of the virtual tour include:
The 1940s and the computers that helped win the Second World War. These include famous codebreaking machines such as a rebuild of Colossus and replica of Alan Turing’s Bombe.
The first commercial computers of the 1950s. TNMOC’s collection includes the world’s oldest working digital computer - the 2.5 tonne Harwell Dekatron/WITCH that employed vacuum tubes as a precursor to modern computer memory.
Giant, room-sized mainframes that became the first systems to be widely adopted by companies around the world. These were some of the first computers to use transistors, which made them reliable and capable of being mass-produced.
The PC gallery – home to a generation of systems that sparked a revolution in business and home computing. The museum’s display includes innovative and pioneering designs from British icons such as Sinclair, Amstrad and Acorn and their US rivals Apple and Commodore.
Created in association with Venue View Virtual Tours and interpretation specialist Blended Past, the tour can be accessed on desktop, tablet, mobile or even using a virtual reality headset. The most important thing for the museum is to ensure that the online experience is interactive, educational and engaging for all the family. At the click of a button, the walkthrough changes to a 3D doll’s house model and digital floorplans delivering the interactive experience. The tours contain images, videos, documents and other interactive elements – available for free here or see below. The museum will also offer a paid-for virtual curated tour for ten people, offering a more personal experience, with details on how to book this available here soon.
TNMOC chairman Dr Andrew Herbert said, “The Coronavirus pandemic and the necessary restrictions are making us think in new ways about displaying our story of computing to the public. The 3D virtual and live curated tours are helping us stay connected and also to breakthrough to reach new audiences, which is especially important during this pandemic.”
Keith McMahon, managing director of Venue View virtual tours, said, “The National Museum of Computing has joined some of the most innovative museums from the Tate Modern, HMS Belfast and the Churchill War Rooms in delivering a 3D tour of its facilities. TNMOC provides people the opportunity to explore via the screen of their choice and the interactive nature of the tour means there is something for everyone.”
The 3D tour follows a 2017 pilot that opened two of the museum’s galleries to visitors. Moving around the new virtual museum is as easy as Google Street View: visitors can click on pop-up displays that outline the stories and key facts about the machines and other artefacts on display. Visitors can follow embedded links for additional information online.
The museum plans to reopen its physical doors on 8th September 2020, with tickets available to purchase in advance here, while the digital experiences will continue to be available.
Start your 3D tour below
Click on the image to start your tour - phone users please use landscape mode
Connect with The National Museum of Computing
About The National Museum of Computing
The National Museum of Computing brings to life the history and ongoing development of computing for the enjoyment and benefit of the general public and specialists. The Museum combines a distinctive approach to engagement with an emphasis on British computing heritage and on-going innovation. TNMOC acquires, conserves, restores and rebuilds historic computing machinery. Our approach is furthered through a process of engagement, with the display and demonstration of historical systems. The Museum runs a highly successful learning programme for schools and colleges and introduces computer coding to young people to help inspire the next generation of computer scientists and engineers. The Museum also runs a popular, on-going program of festivals, lectures and interpreted displays and interactive events.
About Venue View
Venue View is one of the UKs leading providers of 3D virtual tours, with more 5* reviews on Google that any other 3D tour provider. Over the last 4 years, Venue View have captured more than 400 tours - many of these have been hotels and venues though a recent surge has seen many more museums looking to showcase their exhibits and facilities digitally. The company is headquartered in Tring, near Watford, serving nationwide and international clients.
About Blended Past
Blended Past brings heritage to life, helping organisations to tell stories and build interactive exhibits that inspire and engage audiences of all ages. We specialise in technology, industrial and conflict history and draw on 20 years’ experience in print, digital, social and live events to make these potentially challenging topics accessible and compelling.
