Seattle’s Living Computers Museum + Labs is permanently closed. It shut its doors in 2020 during the COVID-19 period, and the Paul G. Allen estate confirmed on June 25, 2024, that it would not reopen. Some artifacts went to auction; the remaining historical collection was acquired by Computer Museum of America.
Why did Living Computers Museum close?
Living Computers Museum + Labs closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 period. The closure was initially tied to the pandemic, but the Paul G. Allen estate confirmed on June 25, 2024, that the museum would not reopen and that the closure was permanent. The museum’s website and social media accounts were taken down. GeekWire reported the estate’s confirmation.
Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, created the institution as a hands-on showcase for rare computers and interactive technology. It began in 2012 and expanded in 2016, adding exhibits focused on current technology and three computer-science learning labs. GeekWire’s closure report describes the museum’s history.
What happened to the Living Computers collection?
The estate used two routes: selected items were offered through a Christie’s auction, while the remaining historical computing artifacts, systems, storytelling content, exhibits and educational materials were acquired by Computer Museum of America. The terms of that acquisition were not disclosed. Christie’s auction page documents the sale; Computer Museum of America’s announcement describes its acquisition.
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Auction: selected pieces were sold
Christie’s offered selected vintage-computing and scientific artifacts. An auction disperses the pieces included in the sale among buyers; it does not mean the entire former museum collection was auctioned. The sale is a past event, not evidence of current inventory or a way to visit the artifacts.
Computer Museum of America: remaining collection acquired
Computer Museum of America acquired the remaining historical artifacts and related interpretive and educational materials. Its founder, Lonnie Mimms, said the museum was proud to carry on the former Living Computers Museum’s legacy and Paul Allen’s interest in computing history, evolution and global impact. The acquisition offers the clearest documented continuation of the collection’s public and educational mission; it does not establish that every former exhibit is currently on display.
Where can you see artifacts from Living Computers now?
Computer Museum of America in Roswell, Georgia, is the documented museum destination for the portion of the Living Computers collection it acquired. Its acquisition announcement describes the transfer and its intention to preserve and publicly exhibit the material. Check Computer Museum of America’s announcement and its current visitor information for what is on view before planning a visit; the fact of acquisition alone does not confirm that a particular artifact is currently exhibited.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still visit the Seattle museum?
No. The Seattle museum is permanently closed, and there is no reopening or ticket availability to plan around. Its website and social accounts were taken down after the estate’s decision.
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