Computer History Museum

Located in Mountain View, CA, The Computer History Museum is the world's leading institution exploring the history of computing and its ongoing impact on society. CHM recently opened its complete renovation, appropriately named V2.0. The project included 25,000sq ft. of exhibits, new lobby, café, and museum store, an orientation theater and new educational facilities, all under the Lightswitch lighting design scope.

We joined a core creative team which included project architects and long time Lightswitch collaborators exhibit designers Van Sickle and Rolleri, to conceive a totally reimagined environment featuring thousands of artifacts supported by interpretive graphics, interactive displays, and docents demonstrating machines and systems to visitors. Fixture choices range from precise, miniature LED sources illuminating more than 100 delicate Vitrine artifact cases to dynamic automated lighting fixtures projecting dancing Pac Man images onto the floor and walls in the high energy gaming area, and everything in between. These creative fixture choices were balanced with a Lightswitch specialty, environmentally responsible design. Careful fixture selection and accurate placement resulted in a lighting design that is visually appealing, while also reducing energy consumption, exceeding California Title 24 energy code requirements and saving money in fixture costs.

The detailed, comprehensive development process resulted in an exciting new design for the facility, which physically embodies the CHM’s mission to serve as a vibrant center celebrating the spirit and history of computing and its ongoing impact on society. Lightswitch’s design plays a key role in supporting this vision, and surrounds both visitors to the museum and guests at the frequent special events in an elegant, accessible and appropriate environment.