Exhibit Overview

A permanent interactive exhibit on the everyday impact of emerging computer technologies.  This 3,000 sq. ft. exhibit employed 28 hands-on exhibits, state-of-the-art sound design, and opened in 1990. It was part of the Mandell Futures Center, a major expansion to the museum that included a giant Omniverse Theater.

TOOLS FOR THOUGHT

The word computer comes from a Latin term meaning “to think.” Computers don’t really think for themselves–yet. But in the future, computer scientists do hope to create smart machines that actually think like us.

Today, computers are tools that help us solve problems, store and transfer information, communicate, dream, create, and doodle. They touch nearly every aspect of our daily lives.

Where will the future of computers take us? No one knows for sure. This exhibit focuses on the following areas to look at how these new technologies may affect our work and play, how and in the future.

• Computers: Today & Tomorrow, In Daily Life, In Arts & Entertainment
• Artificial Intelligence
• Robots

“Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all.” ~ John F. Kennedy

The Giant Microchip celebrates the silicon brain of the computer.

Explore a variety of interactive videos.

Programs that utilize Artificial Intelligence will play an important role in controlling
computer systems in virtually every 21st century product and service.

Local and Wide Area Networks are going global, and will form the backbone
of the Internet, global telecommunications, and banking networks.