PEEK&POKE Computer Museum

Imagine a place where the technology of the past isn't just gathering dust on shelves but continues to live and delight visitors. The PEEK&POKE Computer Museum is a unique space in the city of Rijeka, which became the first project in the country entirely dedicated to the history of computing. Croatia is rightfully proud of this site, as it is among the five largest museums of its kind in the world.

PEEK&POKE Computer Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Located in the heart of the city and spanning about 300 square meters, the museum houses an impressive collection of 2000 exhibits. It features devices dating back to the 1960s: from the first calculators to legendary game consoles. Special attention goes to the first European calculator, created at the Croatian Digitron factory, which highlights the region's important contribution to the global digital revolution.

Among the treasures of the collection, you can find true "titans" of the industry: a rare 1961 Minivac, the iconic Apple II, and the affordable British Sinclair ZX80. Visitors can even see the Amiga 1000—the computer on which Andy Warhol himself created art. This place perfectly combines an educational function with warm nostalgia for an era when computers were still something magical.

To inquire about special events or group tours, you can use the official communication channels. The museum actively stays in touch with the retro technology community through its website.

The main feature of PEEK&POKE is that it is not just a static exhibition, but a living interactive space. Visitors are allowed to interact with many of the exhibits: you can sit down at the legendary Commodore 64 and run games that captivated millions in the 80s, or try your hand at programming on old versions of BASIC.

In addition to playing on retro consoles, you can study the operating principles of the first data storage systems, experiment with punch cards, and see the great-grandfather of modern laptops in action—the first Newton palmtop. For those interested not only in technology but also in culture, the museum regularly hosts themed lectures, workshops, and concerts, turning into a true educational hub.

The museum will appeal not only to hardcore geeks but also to families with children: it clearly demonstrates the journey of human thought from simple abacuses to modern processors. The inspiring atmosphere is underscored by the fact that the project is supported by global legends, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who highly praised the value of this collection for future generations.

Finding the PEEK&POKE Computer Museum is easy, as it is located in the very heart of the city at Ul. Ivana Grohovca 2A. If you are already walking through the center, the route to the museum will turn into a pleasant stroll past major historical buildings.

For those arriving by public transport, the most convenient option is a walk from the main railway station or the central bus station—the journey will take no more than 10–15 minutes. You can also use city buses to the Rijeka Centar or Trsat stops, from which the museum entrance is just a 5–10 minute walk away.

Travelers arriving from Rijeka Airport (located 25 km from the city) will find it most convenient to use a shuttle bus or a taxi. The car ride takes about 30–40 minutes. If you plan to arrive by private car, keep in mind that the museum is located in a pedestrian zone, so you should look for parking at nearby paid lots in the city center.

The story of this unusual place began with pure passion and enthusiasm in the early 2000s. A group of collectors from Rijeka—Josip (Toco), Tomislav Ribičić (Riba), and Dario Djimbeg—met online through their shared hobby. Their first joint exhibition, titled "Retrobit," was held in 2003 and was a huge success, prompting the friends to think about creating a permanent display.

The museum officially opened in 2007. The name PEEK&POKE, coined by Tomislav Ribičić, is a direct reference to the commands in the BASIC programming language used to read and write data in memory cells. Over time, Davor Pasarić and Goran Paulin joined the project, helping to bring the museum to an international level.

Over the years, the collection has grown from a few hundred to more than 2000 exhibits. Today, the project is recognized as one of the top five museums of its kind in the world. Its significance is even confirmed by "cosmic" greetings: in 2019, cosmonaut Aleksey Ovchinin sent a postcard in support of the museum directly from the ISS, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak personally expressed his admiration for the work of the Croatian enthusiasts.

To do more than just glance at the rows of hardware and instead truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of digital nostalgia, the average visitor needs 1.5 to 2.5 hours. If you belong to the generation that witnessed the first home computers, be prepared to stay longer—memories may overwhelm you at every other stand.

For organized groups or those who choose to use a guide, the tour can take up to 3 hours. This is enough time to listen to fascinating stories about the creation of the first computing machines and have time to test the interactive exhibits in action.

When planning your visit to the world of retro technology, please note the museum's operating schedule. On weekdays, the doors are open to everyone from morning to evening, with shorter hours on Saturdays.

Opening Hours:
• Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Saturday: 11:00 – 16:00
• Sunday: Closed

The museum's location in the historic center makes it easy to combine a technological journey with visits to other iconic city landmarks. A stroll through the surrounding area will reveal the architectural diversity and rich history of this port region.