Geek Out at the New Living Computers Museum + Labs

Imagine a museum that encourages kids—and grownups—to play with the exhibits and even make something new with them. Say hello to Living Computers Museum + Labs, a fantastic new space where you can get your hands on all the latest technology. From robots and self-driving cars to digital art and games, everyone in your crew will have a blast exploring (and learning) about today’s tech. Read on for all the data!

photo: Helen Walker Green

A Museum Reboot
As if having the world’s largest collection of operating vintage computers wasn’t enough, the Living Computer Museum has expanded and transformed into Living Computers Museum + Labs. “We want to create a community hub,” says Executive Director Lath Carlson, “appealing to people from all backgrounds, not just the kid or adult who’s geeky by nature but everyone who might use technology.”

photo: Helen Walker Green

Hello World
The famous computer greeting in neon pink lights welcomes you and your mini tech whiz to this one-of-a-kind museum. On the first floor’s interactive exhibition space, you’ll find robots galore, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and more. Head for the Robotics Gallery where your tots can marvel at Baxter—the friendly robot who can play with toys all day long and never get tired—and Dot and Dash, robot friends who recognize each other and chatter. Psst… they’re designed to be programmed by anyone age 5 and up. Kids can also try their hands at making ROBOTIS MINI dance and do acrobatics. This cool, build-your-own robot can be controlled by your voice and can even perform a workout!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Is This the Real World?
Think virtual reality is a new thing? This cool exhibit features VR headsets dating all the way back to the ’80s. How about augmented reality? Think Pokémon Go (virtual elements, like Pikachu, added to the real world). You and your sidekick will be fascinated by the way VR and AR can trick the human brain and change your perception of what you’re seeing. Bonus: All visitors 10 & older can try one of the latest Virtual Reality headsets for free. It’s included with admission.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Mr. Robot
With telepresence robots, you’re a virtual person moving around the real world. This amazing technology is what Edward Snowden uses to be “present” at meetings while in exile. And now, thanks to this awesome museum exhibit, you can remotely wheel the robots around to look at your environment and interact with people. Have a go on one if you can catch it (it may be wandering around the museum). Psst… look for telepresence tours coming soon which means grandma in Chicago can log in and roam about the museum and look at the exhibits with you.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Take a Test Drive
Hop in the Strati self-driving car and let it take you for a spin. Its top speed is 40 mph (a bit fast for rush hour), but can you imagine stylin’ on I-5 in this? Psst… the Strati was the world’s first 3D printed electric car. The model you can sit inside was designed in Arizona, but printed and assembled here in Seattle. It took 44 hours to print!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Big Data, Big Sharks
You and your school of fish can learn about Global Finprint—the amazing search for sharks and rays—-and how scientists get data from the ocean floor using a rig called a BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video). The BRUV, on display at the museum, is baited with potato chips, but that’s just for example. Sharks aren’t really partial to chips —the real bait is stinky fish! This data lets researchers count shark, ray and skate populations and learn about their ecosystems. Psst… while exploring this exhibit, be sure to look up and see the beautiful shark art comprised of tiny 3D printed sharks, meticulously pieced together!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Digital Art
There’s plenty to fire up the kids’ imaginations in the Digital Studio. The digital art installations are interactive which adds a cool factor to the exhibit. But that’s not the best part. Everything that happens when you interact with the artwork is completely unique to you which means it will never repeat. Get ready to blow your kids’ minds.

photo: Helen Walker Green

The Internet of Things and Gamemakers Space
Head upstairs to the mezzanine level to explore the Internet of Things and Gamemakers space. This is where you will put down your controller and pick up your keyboard—it’s time to make a video game. Hint: You may never tear the kids away from Minecraft coding!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Your toaster may be spying on you and your kettle could be undercover. As smart appliances become increasingly connected, they can communicate with you and each other. Try some of the fascinating projects at the Internet of Things Workshop and get an idea of what the near future could look like.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Vintage Computers
Up on the top floor is where you will find that gigantic collection of computers we told you about. Technology has evolved at such a pace, that even teenagers could feel nostaligic in here. What’s that? The original Xbox 360, an Apple Newton and even a Zune! But it’s probably going to be the vintage computers that are eye-opening for most 21st Century kids. Psst… your’re going to love watching your kids try to swipe a computer screen or play Donkey Kong on a Commodore 64.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Time Travel
Start out in today’s living room, which may look a lot like yours (including the latest Xbox version). Then, travel back in time to the living room of the ’70s, complete with vintage furnishings and an Atari 2600. Some of your favorite games can be found up here too, from The Oregon Trail to Asteroids.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Museum History
The museum started as Paul Allen’s private computer collection. Allen enjoyed finding old computers and restoring them to operating condition. His goal was to make them available to the public, so everyone could have a chance to see how they worked. Museum staff have refurbished all these computers, so they’ll run for another 100 years and future generations can enjoy them. Psst… visitors can play chess with a computer from the 1960s, but it will probably beat you. Checkmate!

photo: Helen Walker Green

It’s 1984 Again
Apple fans should definitely check out the original Mackintosh and the Apple Lisa 2. Psst… there’s so much stuff in the vintage collection, the staff hinted they’ve got things they haven’t found a place for yet. Rumor has it there’s even a NeXT Cube computer somewhere back there. Mac people can get excited about that!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Tech Shop, Maker Space & Workshops
Don’t forget to stop at the Tech Shop before you leave. The shop is stocked with books and kits on programming for kids, tool kits, t-shirts and more. If you want to make your visit even more memorable, plan on hitting the education labs and maker space. Psst… the museum has plans to offer lots of workshops for all ages and interests, so be sure to keep an eye on their website for more info.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Living Computers Museum + Labs
2245 First Ave. S.
Seattle Wa 98134
206-342-2020
Online: livingcomputers.org or map it

Cost: $12/Adults & Kids (6 & older); under 5 Free. First Thursdays Free from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Membership: $60/Family; $40/Individual; $40/Teacher; $10/Access
Hours: Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; First Thursdays of the month, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Has your family visited Living Computers Museum + Labs? What was your favorite part? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Helen Walker Green