Visit the World’s Largest Computer Museum: The Heinz Nixdorf (2022)

The Heinz Nixdorf Museumsforum (HNF) in Paderborn, Germany, is recognized as the world's largest computer museum, showcasing a vast collection that spans the history of computing and communication. Established in 1996, the museum originated from the personal collection of Heinz Nixdorf, a notable European computer pioneer. The museum's exhibits cover a range of topics, from ancient calculation methods to modern computing devices. The first floor features artifacts like clay tablets, mechanical calculators, and a Hall of Fame honoring key figures in computing history, including Alan Turing and Ada Lovelace. The second floor highlights the evolution of computers, showcasing early machines, personal computers, and calculators, alongside social aspects of computing, such as cryptography and the history of office technology. Interactive displays, including a robotic guide named PETRA, enhance visitor engagement. The museum also features a collection of home robots and a section dedicated to artificial intelligence. With its extensive exhibits and educational focus, the HNF offers a comprehensive look at the development of information technology, making it a significant destination for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

- The Heinz Nixdorf Museumsforum is the largest computer museum in the world, located in Paderborn, Germany.

- The museum was founded in 1996 from the collection of Heinz Nixdorf, a key figure in European computing history.

- Exhibits range from ancient calculation tools to modern computers and cover various aspects of computing, including cryptography and robotics.

- Interactive displays and a robotic guide enhance the visitor experience.

- The museum serves as an educational resource on the history and development of information technology.