Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum

The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum is a computer museum in Paderborn that spans two floors and shows how technology for sharing information has developed. The galleries display machines and devices from ancient times to the present day, tracing how people have built tools to process and exchange data.

The museum was created after Heinz Nixdorf's death in 1986, following the end of his computing company that had shaped Paderborn for decades. The city and his former colleagues decided to honor his legacy by building this place to show how computing grew and changed the world.

The museum is named after Heinz Nixdorf, a local businessman who brought computing technology to Paderborn and shaped the region's identity. Walking through the galleries, you experience how people have always found new ways to share information, from ancient times to the digital age.

The museum is easy to reach on foot or by public transport and welcomes visitors of all ages, though some exhibits may appeal more to those with an interest in technology. Plan to spend several hours here if you want to explore the galleries at a comfortable pace and read the information provided.

The museum holds one of the world's largest collections of objects related to computing history, though only a portion is displayed in the galleries at any time. This rotating approach means that return visits can reveal machines and devices you may have missed on a previous trip.

Location: Paderborn

Inception: 1996

Official opening: October 24, 1996

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 09:00-18:00; Holidays,Saturday,Sunday 10:00-18:00; Monday closed

Website: http://hnf.de

GPS coordinates: 51.73140,8.73564

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:45