It’s been two decades since a block party hosted by our robot mascot Buster opened the doors to The Tech, and in that time we’ve been honored to be so welcomed by our community. Millions of students and visitors have walked through our doors, and we hope you’ve all left feeling a bit more creative and fired up to solve big problems.
We’re looking back and celebrating all the fun we’ve had together. Take a stroll down memory lane with us and some of the risk-takers and problem solvers who know that there’s only one correct response when asked, “Is that even possible?” TECH, YEAH!
Opening Day, Oct. 31, 1998
The Tech Museum of Innovation opens after operating out of a smaller space on West San Carlos Street for eight years known as “The Garage.”
Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater opens
2000
President Bill Clinton visits for a meeting with Silicon Valley execs about a trade agreement with China
2001
The Tech Awards program is launched
Arnold Schwarzenegger visits while supporting Greater San Jose Inner City Games
2002
First new exhibition opens: Imagination Playground
The Science of Sport exhibition opens
“Before The Tech opened I saw the ball machine at The Garage. It’s still going on Park Avenue, and also has an offspring at the airport.”
— Gary Mason, volunteer
From field trips as a child to coming in every Saturday to share knowledge with other children and the general public, I thank The Tech for inspiring me.”
— Michelle Vo, volunteer
2004
Genetics: Technology with a Twist and NetPlanet open
Becomes one of the first places in the world with a public wet lab featuring an experiment with jellyfish DNA
Hosts the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) international conference
2006
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates speaks at The Tech
2007
Green By Design opens
Body Worlds 2 opens and brings in record crowds
2008
Enters into a first-of-its-kind agreement in San Jose with SunPower and the City of San Jose to install solar panels from a private for-profit on a city building for the benefit of a nonprofit.
Leonardo: 500 Years into the Future includes the installation of a 24-foot sculpture of the Sforza Horse at the corner of Park and Market and two paintings on loan from the Uffizi Gallery.
“One of my favorite memories is of Glenn, a member’s child, who enjoyed his experiences at The Tech so much that he told his class that he wanted to be a Tech employee when he grew up. We found a tech polo and name badge for Glenn, which he wore every weekend when he visited the museum. His enthusiasm for The Tech was inspired by the passion of the staff, and he in turn [inspired] us!”
-Alexandra Schindler, staff
2009
Al Gore receives James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award at The Tech Awards
Hosts Great ShakeOut earthquake preparedness event for first time
Girl Scouts @ The Tech program launches
“Star Trek” exhibition opens
“I will always remember meeting George Takei on the TOS [Star Trek: The Original Series] bridge replica when we had the exhibition.”
— Brandon Lewke, staff
2010
Genghis Khan exhibition opens
Steve Wozniak celebrates his 60th birthday at The Tech
2011
Body Worlds Vital opens
Tim Ritchie becomes President and CEO
Traveling exhibition Islamic Science Rediscovered opens
2012
Mythbusters exhibition opens
2013
Social Robots opens
The Tech Studio opens
2014
REBOOT: Music opens
Body Metrics opens
“Star Wars” exhibition opens
The Tech Academies program launches and begins building model programs for teaching STEM in Silicon Valley’s underserved communities
“I will never forget hosting Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School at The Tech — the kids were thrilled and it was the beginning of what became our signature Tech Academies.”
— Katy Feeley, staff
2015
Launch of Bowers Institute
Cyber Detectives opens
Win the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service
2016
BioDesign Studio opens
Innovations in Health Care opens
StoryCorps visits and records oral histories of The Tech and its community
2017
The Tech Challenge’s 30th anniversary
“Judging The Tech Challenge and seeing the creativity of the next generation of innovators (is my favorite memory at The Tech.) One team of two girls had developed an innovative solution, worked together effectively and presented well.”
— John Heinlein, Ph.D., board member
The Tech for Global Good launches
Body Worlds Decoded opens
Reboot Reality opens
Hosts the international ASTC conference for the second time
2018
Opening of world’s first IMAX Dome Theater with a laser projection system
Animaker exhibit opens in Reboot Reality
Celebrates 20th anniversary!
“I remember coming to The Tech (then The Garage) when the VTA light rail first opened. What I love is that after all these years The Tech has grown and evolved along with the tech industry to represent San Jose’s role as a growing tech industry hub.”
— Sherry Burch, staff
Share your memories of The Tech with us on social! @TheTechMuseum #TheTech20
