Rijeka, a city rich in cultural heritage, hides a unique gem - the Peek & Poke Computer Museum. This museum of computer technology represents a true time capsule through the history of the digital era. Situated in the city's heart, it provides visitors with insights into the evolution of computers, games, and technology, highlighting key moments and devices that shaped the digital culture we all know and love today.

First Croatian Museum of Computers and IT Equipment

Stepping into the computer museum in Rijeka, you will be taken aback by the speed at which our technological future becomes the past. Peek & Poke, the first Croatian museum of computers and IT equipment, is dubbed the Retro Computer Club. Established in 2007, this museum delights visitors with exhibits dating back to the 1960s. Among the showcased items are pioneers of computer technology such as the Minivac computer from 1961, the Apple II - the first mass-produced personal computer, the Sinclair ZX80 - the first affordable home computer, up to the Amiga 1000 used by the artist Andy Warhol, and the original IBM PC - the ancestor of all modern personal computers. The museum testifies that Croatia was once at the forefront of this segment of technology. It displays the first European calculator produced in 1971 in Buje, at the Digitron factory. The permanent exhibition encompasses over 2000 exhibits of global and Croatian computer history, audio, video, and photographic equipment. Spanning across 300 square meters, nestled in Rijeka's center, this museum is one of the first five of its kind globally and simultaneously the largest in this part of Europe. The impressive collection bears witness to technological progress throughout decades and keeps alive the heritage that shaped today's digital world.

The Museum of Computing Opens the Doors to Technological Heritage

Walking through the museum, one discovers a rich collection of computer systems, gaming consoles, old computers, and peripheral equipment, each a witness to significant steps in technological development. Visitors have the opportunity to see classic devices like Commodore, Amiga, Atari, ZX Spectrum, and many others that were the cornerstones of the digital revolution. However, Peek & Poke Museum doesn't offer just a passive glimpse into the past. Visitors are invited on an interactive journey through the history of technology. Workshops, playing old computer games, familiarizing oneself with programming on older computers - all these are part of the experience that the museum provides. Through active participation, everyone can experience technological evolution in a unique way. Museums like Peek & Poke play a crucial role in preserving the history of digital technology. They not only showcase technological development but also educate about its impact on everyday life. Through such institutions, visitors gain a better understanding and appreciation of the progress of technology that shaped the modern world.

A large part of the specimens in the museum represent exceptionally rare artifacts. Among them stands out the Interact model from the seventies, of which only about 500 were produced before the company collapsed. However, there are also domestic products that deserve attention. One such example is Ivel Ultra, a computer produced in the mid-eighties in Ivanić Grad, which represented a significant step in local technology production. Also unavoidable is Galeb, the first Croatian school computer, which played a crucial role in the education of generations at that time. These exhibits testify not only to technical innovation but also to domestic computer production that marked the history of informatics in Croatia. Visitors have the opportunity to peek into the past and discover technological advancements that were ahead of their time.