Musée Bolo, Lausanne

Nestled in the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland, the Musée Bolo is a unique gem that captures the evolution of computing technology. This specialized museum, though lesser-known compared to traditional art and history museums, offers a fascinating journey through the digital age.

Musée Bolo is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of computing, with a particular focus on the pioneering days of the industry. The museum's collection includes a wide array of artifacts, from early calculators and desktop computers to vintage video game consoles and software packages. The pieces on display tell the story of technological innovation and the incredible pace at which computing has advanced.

One of the museum's highlights is its extensive collection of personal computers from the 1970s and 1980s, a period that saw the birth of the home computing revolution. Visitors can see rare models and prototypes, some of which were pivotal in shaping the technology we use today. The museum also features temporary exhibitions that delve into specific themes, such as the development of computer graphics or the history of the internet.

The Musée Bolo aims not only to preserve these technological artifacts but also to educate the public. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to engage with the technology hands-on, providing a tangible connection to the past. This opportunity to interact with vintage computers offers a unique perspective on how far the field has come in just a few decades.

Located at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the museum is easily accessible and provides an educational excursion for school groups, tech enthusiasts, and the general public. The museum operates with the support of the Association du Musée Bolo, a group dedicated to the preservation of computing heritage.