Google Garage, Technology birthplace garage in Menlo Park, California.
Google Garage is a former residential garage in Menlo Park that served as the company's first office starting in 1998. The small space held basic work tables and vintage computer equipment where early development and coding took place.
Larry Page and Sergey Brin rented this garage from neighbor Susan Wojcicki in 1998 to develop their search engine. From this modest start, one of the world's most influential technology companies emerged and grew into a global force.
The garage represents a Silicon Valley tradition of technology companies starting in residential spaces, reflecting how innovation took root in everyday neighborhoods. This practice shaped the region's identity as a technology hub where humble beginnings led to world-changing ventures.
The location is private property today and not open to visitors, but Google Maps offers a virtual tour showing the original 1998 setup. You can view the site from outside and explore the space online at your own pace.
Beyond the work areas, the space held unexpected items like a ping pong table and a frog terrarium that punctuated the workdays. These details reveal how informal and playful the early work culture was in this small startup environment.
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