Dutch computer museums (2022)

You can interact with retro computers at three Dutch museums, preserving unique regional tech history.

In June 2022, Marcin Wichary visited three distinct computer museums in the Netherlands: the HomeComputerMuseum in Helmond, the Bonami SpelComputer Museum in Zwolle, and a private DEC enthusiast's collection in a rural barn. The Helmond museum featured over 500 interactive computers, mostly from the 1980s, presented in a "living room" style. The Bonami museum, described as a "warehouse," housed thousands of computers, including mainframes, and offered a separate arcade. The third location showcased a significant collection of 1970s and 1980s Digital Equipment Corporation machines, many of which were still project pieces. Wichary highlighted the unique regional artifacts and specialized hardware he encountered, such as the Aesthedes graphic editor with its massive keyboard, Dutch Holborn computers, and various Philips CD-i related items. The visit also provided opportunities to interact with retro computing technology, including chording keyboards and different programming language interfaces.

The article highlights the diverse nature of computer museums, ranging from interactive "living room" style exhibits to vast "warehouse" collections and specialized private archives. This diversity points to a growing public interest in historical computing, extending beyond traditional American institutions to showcase regional and localized technological developments. The presence of non-English keyboards and unique Dutch hardware, like the Aesthedes and Holborn computers, underscores the value of these institutions in preserving a broader, more international history of computing.

Wichary's experience suggests a trend towards experiential retro computing, where visitors can not only see but also interact with and even use vintage machines. This hands-on approach, exemplified by playing games, trying graphic editors, and typing on unique keyboards, indicates a shift from passive observation to active engagement. The serendipitous discovery of these museums and the connections made through conversation and overhearing others demonstrate the organic and community-driven nature of preserving and sharing computing heritage.