Derby Computer Museum

Preserving history for everyone

Derby Computer Museum is a volunteer-run registered charity. We are on the 2nd and 3rd floors of 3-4 Iron Gate, next to BetFred and above the old Birds building. The museum aims to preserve and maintain computing history and be a valued asset for the local community.

The majority of our exhibits are hands-on, so you can see, touch and use the exhibits as if you’d stepped into a time machine.

The museum also provides work experience for young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and field trips for primary and secondary school children.

The rooms

Derby Computer Museum is split into several rooms, each with a different theme:

70s/80s room

This room boasts BBC computers, Dragon 32, Amstrads, Commodore 64 and similar cassette-based machines, plus a history of removable media.

Japanese room

The machines many of us grew up with – Nintendo NES, SNES, N64, Sega Megadrive, Saturn, Dreamcast, and Sony PlayStation. We also have the less widespread original Nintendo Famicom and some original “dev kits” used in computer game development.

British Computer Gaming History Room

Most of us know that Derby was the birthplace of Lara Croft (Tomb Raider), but did you know that Derby and the UK have a rich heritage of computer game design? You’ll find highlights of British gaming history in this room, from Jet Set Willy to Grand Theft Auto.

PC Software history

Every version of Microsoft Windows from version 1 through to Windows 98! And, Clippy! We couldn’t leave Clippy out!

The Apple Room

The Apple exhibits span the early days as an obscure brand, with the original Macintosh, through to the iconic late 90s iMac.

Computers in music/ laptops/ portables

This room shows how computers such as the Atari ST were instrumental (pun intended) in 80s and 90s dance music e.g. Fatboy Slim and White Town. Our display cabinets of vintage laptops and palmtop computers showcase a history of portable computing – the prelude to modern smartphones.

How to get involved

The museum is looking for more volunteers to help on our Saturday public open days. You are also welcome to get involved in graphic design, photography, marketing, PR, grant applications, school visits or social media. A DBS check is required. Full details at www.DerbyComputerMuseum.co.uk/volunteer

Opening days/ hours

We are open every Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.

We recommend you book in advance to guarantee entry: www.DerbyComputerMuseum.org.uk

You can also enquire about booking the museum for private events, filming, corporate fun days, cubs, scouts and school field trips on weekdays or Sundays (subject to availability).

Offers

Student discount.

Blue Peter badge holders go free. Visit the BBC Blue Peter website for Ts and Cs.

Blue Light discount.

Discounted family tickets