Tech Museum of Innovation

The Tech is a cosmopolitan museum singularly focused on technology —how it works and the way that it is changing every aspect of the way we work, live, play and learn. Its people-and-technology focus and the integration of advanced technologies into visitor experiences and infrastructure, distinguishes it from other science centers. The 132,000 square feet of The Tech are shared by four major theme galleries packed full of one-of-a-kind exhibits, the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater, an educational center for workshops and labs, an upscale cafe, and a retail store featuring books, gifts, and only-in-Silicon Valley items. An estimated 650,000 visitors are expected to trek to The Tech each year, making it one of California's most popular destinations. 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 put Silicon Valley on the map. Since the prototype Tech opened, approximately 2,800,000 visitors from all over the world have enjoyed a one-of-a-kind, up close view of Silicon Valley with hands-on, interactive exhibits, workshops, labs, a speakers series, an online exhibit hall and other activities, such as the annual Tech Challenge. This high-tech design contest has attracted nearly 8,000 youth during the eleven years of the competition. Gallery Hours: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm Open Holiday Mondays. *See website for IMAX showtimes and ticket prices. We are open the following Holidays: Monday, February 21st Presidents' Day Monday, May 30th Memorial Day Monday, July 4th Independence Day Monday, September 5th Labor Day Monday, October 10th Columbus Day Friday, November 11th Veteran's Day Monday, December 19th, 2005 Christmas Holiday Monday, December 26th, 2005 Christmas Holiday Monday, January 2th, 2006 New Years Day (Observed)