About Us
The Tech Today
The Tech Museum of Innovation engages people of all ages and backgrounds in exploring and experiencing the technologies affecting their lives, and aims to inspire the innovator in everyone. An expansive variety of interactive exhibits and unique floor programs showcase not just how technology works, but how it affects who we are and how we live, work, play and learn. The Tech's 132,000 square feet are divided among themed galleries focused on innovation, the internet, the human body, and exploration. In addition, The Tech also features the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater, an educational center for workshops and labs, an up scale cafe, and a retail store featuring books, gifts, and only-in-Silicon Valley items.
Annually, The Tech plays host to roughly 400,000 guests - 80,000 of whom visit as part of a school field trip - making it one of California's most popular destinations.
The Tech is more than just a museum. Signature programs include Tech Challenge, an annual student design competition founded in 1988, and The Tech Awards, which honors and awards people around the world who use technology to benefit humanity. Additionally, The Tech offers award-winning online exhibits, and the Robert N. Noyce Center for Learning, which encourages innovation and experimentation among teachers and students.
The Tech's History
The Tech began as a dream. In 1978, members of the Junior League of Palo Alto, later joined by the San Jose League, envisioned an exciting learning center devoted to science and technology in the heart of Silicon Valley.
The vision for The Tech was realized in 1990 when a 20,000-square-foot temporary test facility was opened in the old convention center on San Carlos Street. Since then, The Tech has fine-tuned its mission of engaging people of all ages in the technologies that affect their daily lives and has built a reputation as a viable and necessary educational resource in the area of science and technology learning. It has also become a landmark for visitors seeking a glimpse of the most inventive place on Earth and a showcase of the latest high-tech gizmos and gadgets that continue to define Silicon Valley.
Since the prototype Tech opened, 4,000,000 visitors from all over the world have enjoyed a one-of-a-kind, up close view of the spirit of innovation.