In Dortmund, Germany, the Binarium Digital Museum feels like stepping into a time capsule of digital evolution. Each corner of this museum tells the story of technology’s journey from simple mechanical beginnings to the complex AI-driven world we know today. Here’s a look at five of the most memorable exhibits I encountered, captured through my lens.

1. Icons of Personal Computing

The IMSAI 8080, one of the earliest personal computers, is an iconic symbol of the computer revolution. Introduced in the 1970s, it allowed people to build and operate their own computers at home for the first time, sparking a wave of interest and innovation in personal computing.

2. Maniac 1 – Calculations for the Atomic Age

The MANIAC-I was a vacuum tube computer instrumental in performing calculations for the Trinity atomic test, marking a powerful moment in both technology and world history. Its hundreds of vacuum tubes processed the engineering data for one of the most significant events of the 20th century.

3. The Evolution of Screens

One exhibit displays screens from early monochromatic cathode-ray tubes (CRT) to today’s vibrant OLEDs. This evolution shows how display technology developed over decades, with each leap forward allowing for sharper images, new colors, and eventually portable screens that we now take for granted.

4. A Symphony of Typing Histories

The keyboard exhibit features a variety of vintage keyboards, each with a unique design and mechanical feel, showing the evolution of typing technology. These devices demonstrate how user interaction with computers has evolved, influencing everything from ergonomics to software interfaces.

5. Gaming Through the Ages

The Binarium’s gaming collection is a nostalgic journey through the history of video games, showcasing everything from the earliest consoles to the unique devices that shaped gaming culture. Starting with Atari’s Pong, the game that helped launch the industry in the 1970s, the collection spans an incredible range of consoles, each a milestone in its era. The Color TV-Game Racing 112 by Nintendo offers a glimpse into early racing games, complete with its simple graphics and distinctive controllers. It’s a reminder of how far gaming has come from these basic setups to the visually immersive experiences we have today.

One of the most engaging items on display is the Cessna 172 flight simulator, which replicates the experience of flying a small aircraft. Even as a non-gamer, the simulator was fascinating—it captures how flight simulation evolved into both a popular pastime and a tool for real-world training. The museum’s chess trainer, the Saitek Chess, also stands out. It’s a vintage electronic chessboard where pieces move automatically, using magnets and electronics, showing the early intersection of AI and gaming.

For those who enjoy modern gaming, the Nintendo Switch bridges the gap between classic and current with its adaptable design for portable and TV-based play. This exhibit gives visitors a sense of how gaming consoles evolved to become versatile devices, allowing gameplay anytime, anywhere.

Each console, game, and device in this section tells a story of creativity, competition, and the continuous push for more immersive experiences. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, the Binarium’s gaming section is an entertaining walk through the past that highlights how far gaming technology has come and hints at where it may go next.