On behalf of the team here at The National Museum of Computing, trustees, staff, volunteers, supporters and partners, we hope that you are all staying safe and well and we want to let you know we are here for you.

We are working hard to continue to engage, educate, support and inspire you and continuously looking for ways to stay connected with you through our online presence.

We do ask that you continue to follow our social media platforms and visit our Website to keep up-to-date with our regular events and updated content. We are adding new online events, talks and tours on a weekly basis, bringing to you some of the most amazing experts looking to offer positive energy and engagement until we can open our doors again and welcome you all back.

We are delighted to announce we are planning to re-open on 28th May

We would like to thank you all for your support

The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) is home to the world's largest collection of working historic computers.

Follow the development of computing: from the Turing-Welchman Bombe and Colossus of the 1940s through the large systems and mainframes of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, to the rise of personal computing and the rise of mobile computing and the internet.

Recognised as one of England’s top 100 ‘irreplaceable places’, we welcome corporate and group visits, schools and individuals from all over the world.

We are normally open Tuesday to Friday 10:30-17:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:30 – 17:00.

TNMOC operates independently of Bletchley Park Trust, although we are located on the Bletchley Park Estate.

To visit us, go through the main Bletchley Park entrance, through the barrier, walk or drive bearing left beyond the main car parks, to our separate entrance located at the top of the Park.

Why not plan a visit to our world leading computing museum? We are open 6 days a week and offer individual, family and annual tickets and we are easy to reach by public transport or car.

Whether you are a business organisation or a private group of friends, we tailor your group visit to fit your requirements, including time, and you will benefit from the knowledge of one of our highly experienced, trained tour guides.

NEW 3D VIRTUAL TOUR NOW AVAILABLE

If you are unable to visit, why not take a free virtual tour of our museum.

UPCOMING EVENTS


Even though we are closed, we have a number of very interesting Virtual Talks over the next few months as well as our popular Virtual Guided Tours.

Upcoming Events
The National Museum of Computing Virtual Guided Tour
Apr 21
The National Museum of Computing Virtual Guided Tour

3D and virtual curated tours let you explore the world's largest collection of working historic computers. Guided by an expert.

Dark influence and information warfare – the new battle front
Apr 22
Dark influence and information warfare – the new battle front

Virtual Talk by Carl Miller

Welcome to the world of dark influence and information warfare – a world where those fighting this battle are trying to manipulate what’s seen and believed and to influence culture and values.

We might call it “fake news” or “disinformation” but while it’s something we see around us every day the way it operates is known to relatively few.

In this talk, Carl, Research director of Demos’ Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, will explain dark influence and why those waging this information war wish to create nothing less than synthetic ideational realities.

Digby Worthy and the Marconi Transistorised Automatic Computer
Apr 25
Digby Worthy and the Marconi Transistorised Automatic Computer

A Virtual Talk by Steve Kay

William Digby Worthy is an unsung hero of British computing, being involved with, among other things, the Pilot ACE and DEUCE and being the principal designer of the Marconi Transistorised Automatic Computer (TAC). He also went on to be involved in the Marconi Myriad and Locus 16 computers. All this despite being brain-damaged at an early age by meningitis which resulted in memory problems and epilepsy throughout his life.

NEWS RELEASES

Press Releases
The National Museum of Computing to host Young Women in STEM day, inspiring young girls to explore careers in engineering and technology
The National Museum of Computing to host Young Women in STEM day, inspiring young girls to explore careers in engineering and technology

The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), an independent charity, has today announced it will host a virtual event for girls and young women interested in exploring a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The event, on 24th March, will feature talks, quizzes and an interactive workshop on ML to help participants begin to start thinking about a career in this diverse and growing field.

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National The Museum of Computing fires start gun on retro games tournament celebrating BBC Micro’s 40th anniversary
National The Museum of Computing fires start gun on retro games tournament celebrating BBC Micro’s 40th anniversary

Microlympics is an online tournament, played via emulator, where contestants are invited to record their results after 24 hours on some of the most iconic titles for the BBC Micro. Our contest is primed for the February half-term school holidays, with five games over five days. The tournament is open to everyone: veterans, fans of retro computing and first timers of all ages with players competing in one of three categories: under 12s, 12-17 and over 18s. The week will end with the iconic ground breaking space trading game, Elite. A true 24-hour challenge for gamers old and new.

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Irene Dixon, 1924–2021
Irene Dixon, 1924–2021

Irene Dixon (nee Griffiths), one of the very first operators of Colossus and a tremendous supporter of the work of TNMOC, died aged 96 on New Year’s Day 2021.

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NOTES FROM THE MUSEUM

News from the Museum
Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly
Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly

IBM to build 370/135 computers in the UK, Honeywell’s Series 6000 to compete with the IBM 370, Marconi-Elliott Computer Systems introduce a new MECS 2000 range of real time process control computers, the gas pipeline grid uses Modular One based communications and control systems, DEC launches a low-cost, mini PDP-16 computer, Seat Reservations Systems plans an 'On-the-Spot’ Check-in system for Airlines, ICL introduces 1906S, 1904S, 1903S and 1902S computers, GEC-Marconi to snoop on police communications, GEC-Elliott Traffic Automation to control the traffic in Zurich and The BBC uses an ICL 1909 to monitor World Service broadcast quality around the world.

Brian Aldous – TNMoC Archivist

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Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly
Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly

The BBC adds a 1904A to run their Management Information System, British Aircraft Corporation use an IBM 1800 system to simulate the performance of the Concorde’s fuel system, Ferranti FM1600 systems simulate the operations room of a guided-missile destroyer, ICL introduced new models to their system 4 range, Post office introduce a Ferranti ARGUS 500 for monitor line performance and detect impending breakdowns, Cambridge University Computing Lab replace their Titan (Atlas II) with an IBM 370/165 and GEC-Elliott Automation design a new computer control system for a steel mill.

Brian Aldous – TNMoC Archivist

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EDSAC - November 2020 COVID-19 update
EDSAC - November 2020 COVID-19 update

Despite the museum being closed for much of 2020, the EDSAC team have continued working on the machine, finding Covid-secure ways to do so. In this video you can see the team commissioning the interface between Main Control and the Arithmetic Unit and hear an update from Andrew Herbert the project manager on progress to date.

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