The Tech
by Thomas Hawk
The Tech Museum of Innovation, or simply The Tech, is a museum located in the heart of Silicon Valley, in downtown San Jose, California USA. Focusing on technology and its effects, The Tech serves as an important educational and cultural resource for tourists and local residents alike.
Planning began in 1978, and the first 20,000 square foot (2,000 m²) temporary exhibit finally opened in 1990. In October of 1998, it opened a brand new 132,000 square feet (12,000 m²) facility, and has had 2,800,000 visitors.
The museum is composed of three floors, each with its own significance. The ground floor has the main entrance, a gift shop and cafe, the Imax theater, and a recreational area that is reserved for special events. The second floor focuses on permanent exhibits that often become modified, and the below- ground floor contains areas for temporary exhibits that are usually changed.
