On April 1, 1976, Apple Computer was founded with a radical idea: that powerful computing should be personal. Fifty years later, Apple stands as one of the most influential technology companies in history—shaping not only products, but culture, design, and how billions of people interact with technology every day.
We’re celebrating Apple’s first 50 years with special programs, an exhibit of rare prototypes, digital stories from the collection, and more. Join us!
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Apple@50 TechFest
March 28, 2026
CHM’s all-day TechFest events offer special activities and experiences for all ages included in the price of Museum admission. On March 28, we’re celebrating Apple’s 50th birthday. Come get hands-on with vintage Apple computers from Retro Roadshow, create Apple-themed party hats, dance to 50 years of hits, play “Pin the iPod,” and more!
Apple@50 Exhibit
Open until September 7, 2026
See rare prototypes of some of the most iconic Apple products, including the Apple I, Apple IIc, Lisa, Macintosh, Newton, iPod & iPhone. Learn about the founding of Apple and how Apple’s products have continued to push boundaries throughout its history. Read about three key prototypes in this blog and take an audio tour.
“Mactivations”
Starting in March, get hands-on interaction with an oversized, meticulously handcrafted replica of a classic Macintosh called the Big Mac. There’s a Macintosh emulator hiding inside that simulates the original operating system. You can explore what it was like to use the machine in the 1980s, when features we take for granted today, like icons, menus, and using a mouse, were new and exciting.
Demos take place from 2–4 P.M. PST, on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, starting March 14 to September. They are included with your CHM admission ticket.
In preparation for Apple’s 2026 anniversary, CHM has been gathering new materials on the history and ongoing impact of the iconic company. Check them out below.
Also, check out this video of CHM’s “Apple at 50: Five Decades of Thinking Different” event or read the recap blog.
CHM has many Apple artifacts, documents, oral histories, and more in its collection. We’ve gathered some of them together for you to explore.
Apple Insider Oral Histories
CHM has over two dozen oral history interviews with Apple leadership, engineers, designers, and marketers. Below are some highlights selected by Curator Hansen Hsu.
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