The Tech Interactive

File:IMAX Dome Theater.jpg

The building has a distinctive mango and azure color, and has three floors. On the lower level there is a complex multi-story sculpture titled Origin, inside a {{convert|45|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} cylindrical tower. The artwork portrays relationships among art, technology, and natural resources of the earth.{{cite web |title=Origin |url=http://www.sanjoseculture.org/public_art/collections/Tech%20Museum%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |publisher=City of San Jose |access-date=11 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311062627/http://www.sanjoseculture.org/public_art/collections/Tech%20Museum%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |archive-date=11 March 2014}} Near the entrance to the building, there is Science on a Roll, a popular rolling ball sculpture by George Rhoads. The front wall is inscribed with quotations from iconic Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Bill Hewlett, David Packard, Bob Noyce, and Gordon Moore.{{cite news |last1=McEnery |first1=Tom |title=Opinion: Tech Museum embodies the best of Silicon Valley |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/05/5909917/ |access-date=2019-05-25 |work=The Mercury News |date=5 March 2019}} The building was designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta.{{cite web|last=Herhold|first=Scott|title=Herhold: Designer of two San Jose museums dies in Mexico|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_19660901|work=San Jose Mercury News|date=2 January 2012|access-date=13 March 2014}}

The IMAX Dome Theater,{{cite news|last=Kaplan|first=Tracey|title=Michael L. Hackworth - Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist - dies at 71|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_20458100/michael-hackworth-silicon-valley-entrepreneur-and-philanthropist-dies|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=San Jose Mercury News|date=2012-04-25}} opened in 1998 and upgraded since then, shows mainstream movies as well as educational films. It is Northern California's only domed IMAX theater and has the first dome laser projector in the world, seating up to 280 people.{{cite web|url=https://www.imax.com/theatres/t/hackworth-imax-dome-the-tech-museum/ |title=IMAX Dome Theater, The Tech Museum |publisher=IMAX|access-date=May 25, 2019 }}

The Tech is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.{{cite web |title=Rating for The Tech Interactive |url=https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/942864660 |website=Charity Navigator |access-date=3 September 2024}}

Planning began in 1978 by members of the Junior League of Palo Alto, with later assistance by the San Jose Junior League.{{cite news |last1=Pizarro |first1=Sal |title=The Tech still inspires innovation after 20 years in San Jose |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/02/the-tech-still-inspires-innovation-after-20-years-in-san-jose/ |access-date=2019-05-25 |work=The Mercury News |date=2 March 2019}} The City of San Jose promised funding for a Technology Center of Silicon Valley in the 1980s, but progress was slow.

The first {{convert|20000|sqft|adj=on}} temporary exhibit opened in 1990; The Garage, named in homage to the HP Garage, was housed in San Jose's former convention center. On October 31, 1998, a brand-new {{convert|132000|sqft|adj=on}} facility was inaugurated, named The Tech Museum of Innovation.{{cite web |title= About Us: The Tech Today |publisher= The Tech Museum of Innovation |url= http://www.thetech.org/about/ |access-date = 2008-12-21 |url-status= dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081220124501/http://www.thetech.org/about/ |archive-date = 2008-12-20 }} In May 2019, the organization was renamed as The Tech Interactive and announced a partnership with Discovery Education.

In 2018, an expansion of Tech Interactive by {{convert|63,000|sqft}} was proposed, as part of a major high-rise office development in Park Habitat.{{cite news |last1=Avalos |first1=George |title=Downtown San Jose's Museum Place complex will feature big office tower, Tech Museum expansion |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/11/01/downtown-san-joses-museum-place-complex-big-office-tower-tech-museum-expansion-google-adobe/ |access-date=2019-05-25 |work=The Mercury News |date=1 November 2018}}{{Cite web|last=Angst|first=Maggie|date=2019-12-03|title=San Jose OK's 20-story downtown Museum Place office tower, Tech expansion|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/12/03/san-jose-oks-20-story-downtown-museum-place-office-tower-tech-museum-expansion|access-date=2021-05-11|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}}{{update inline|date=January 2022}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Tech Interactive temporarily closed for in-person visits in March, 2020, and published online STEM resources through "The Tech Interactive at Home", in English, and "The Tech Interactive en Casa", in Spanish.{{Cite web|last=Dorsey|first=Dustin|date=2020-12-11|title=San Jose's Tech Interactive creates new ways to spread mission during COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://abc7news.com/8423748/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=ABC7 San Francisco|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=March 20, 2020|title=The Tech Interactive offers free, easy activities to do at home|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-tech-interactive-offers-free-easy-activities-to-do-at-home-301027627.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en}}

{{main|The Tech Awards}}

The Tech for Global Good is a program aimed at inspiring young people to become problem-solvers who make the world a better place. It evolved from The Tech Awards, a yearly ceremony known as the Oscars of Silicon Valley{{Cite web|last=May|first=Patrick|date=2014-11-13|title=Silicon Valley honors 2014 Tech Award winners|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/11/13/silicon-valley-honors-2014-tech-award-winners/|access-date=2021-05-14|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}} in which individuals and organizations were recognized for their technological contributions to improving the human condition. In 2016, The Tech announced{{Cite web|last=Morgan|first=James C.|date=2016-11-18|title=Morgan: Tech Awards grow into 'The Tech for Global Good'|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/11/18/morgan-tech-awards-grow-into-the-tech-for-global-good/|access-date=2021-05-14|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}} it was expanding The Tech Awards program{{Cite web|date=2016-11-17|title=Tech Museum of Innovation Announces Expansion of The Tech Awards|url=https://www.thetech.org/tech-museum-of-innovation-announces-expansion-of-the-tech-awards|access-date=2021-05-11|website=The Tech Interactive|language=en}} from a once-a-year event to a year-round program with educational materials and exhibits.{{Cite web|date=2017-10-30|title=The Tech for Global Good|url=https://www.thetech.org/tech-global-good|access-date=2021-05-11|website=The Tech Interactive|language=en}} Since then, Tech for Global Good has focused every year on a different theme, such as health care or data. It honors organizations under that theme as its laureates for the year,{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Gary|date=2019-11-06|title=Silicon Alleys: Global Good Awards Honors Innovators {{!}} Metroactive|url=https://www.metroactive.com/features/columns/Silicon-Alleys-Global-Good-Awards.html|access-date=2021-05-14|website=www.metroactive.com}} focusing on their problem-solving abilities in lesson plans, videos and other materials{{Cite web|title=The Tech for Global Good|url=https://techfortomorrow.com/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=techfortomorrow.com|language=en}} for students.

The Tech Challenge is a design challenge competition for students Grades 4–12.{{cite web | title = The Tech Challenge - About Us | publisher = The Tech Museum of Innovation | url = http://thetechchallenge.thetech.org/about-us | access-date = 2013-03-14 }} Since its inception in 1988, more than 25,000 students have participated in the program, in which teams of students use the engineering design process to solve a real-world problem. In past years, participants have been asked to design and build a hovercraft; a structure to withstand an earthquake; and a device to deliver water, among other challenges. One of the program's key goals is to engage students underrepresented in STEM fields.{{cite web | title = Cupertino Students Blow Out the Tech Challenge | website= Cupertino Patch | date= 23 April 2013 | url = http://cupertino.patch.com/groups/schools/p/cupertino-students-blow-out-the-tech-challenge | access-date = 2014-02-06 }}

The Tech Academies program, launched in 2014, provides in-depth professional development for educators to help them integrate high-quality STEM curriculum in their classrooms in Silicon Valley. The two-year Tech Academies Fellowship program, through The Tech and San José State University’s College of Science, trains educators in STEM instruction, with a focus on engineering and computer science. In 2020, the Tech Academies program received the EdCom award for Innovation in Museum Education from the American Alliance of Museums,{{Cite web|date=2017-11-21|title=EdCom Award for Innovation in Museum Education|url=https://www.aam-us.org/programs/awards-competitions/edcom-award-for-innovation-in-museum-education/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=American Alliance of Museums|language=en-US}} and in 2019 it won the Excellence in Museum Education award from the California Association of Museums{{Cite web|title=Excellence in Museum Education Awardees 2019 - Excellence in Museum Education Award (CA Dept of Education)|url=https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/me/awardees2019.asp|access-date=2021-05-11|website=www.cde.ca.gov}} and the office of the state superintendent of education.

The Tech offers in-person and virtual field trips to school groups from September to June each year.

The Tech offers field trip scholarships to underserved schools.

• Social Robots: Using sensors, controllers, and actuators, this exhibit allows visitors to design and build robots.{{cite web|last=Deinzer|first=Erin Caslavka|title=Places where you can interact with robots|date=7 March 2014|url=http://www.sfgate.com/travel/fiveplaces/article/Places-where-you-can-interact-with-robots-5295740.php|publisher=SF Gate|access-date=11 March 2014}}
• Body Motion: Sensors in this exhibit allow visitors to see how their movement and interactions affect their physical, social, and emotional health.
• Space Exploration: This exhibit showcases innovations in space, including a maneuverable Jet Pack chair.
• Solve for Earth: This exhibit opened in 2021 and teaches guests about living sustainably and how their actions impact the environment, highlighting the work of scientists and emerging technologies to battle the climate crisis.
• Cyber Detectives: Presented by Palo Alto Networks, this interactive exhibit opened on June 3, 2015 and teaches visitors cyber security through “training modules” and a cybersecurity mission.{{Cite web|date=2015-06-05|title=Palo Alto Networks Sponsors Cyber Detectives Exhibit|url=https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2015/06/palo-alto-networks-sponsors-cyber-detectives-exhibit/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=Palo Alto Networks Blog|language=en-US}}
• The Tech Studio: An open-to-the-public workshop space where visitors participate in maker-style activities.{{cite web|last=Chan|first=Norman|title=Exhibit Design at The Tech Museum of Innovation|url=http://www.tested.com/art/makers/460508-exhibit-design-tech-museum-innovation/|publisher=Tested.com|access-date=2 April 2014}}

• Body Worlds Decoded: Opened on October 15, 2017, this permanent exhibition in partnership with Body Worlds and sponsored by venture capitalist John Doerr and his wife Ann, features plastinated human anatomical specimens, supplemented by augmented reality created in partnership with the Institute for the Future and an [https://www.anatomage.com/ Anatomage] virtual dissection table.{{Cite web|date=2017-10-15|title=Tech Museum embraces augmented reality with Body Worlds Decoded exhibit|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/10/15/tech-museum-embraces-augmented-reality-with-body-worlds-decoded-exhibit/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US}}{{cite web |title=Body Worlds Decoded |url=https://www.thetech.org/bodyworldsdecoded |website=The Tech |publisher=Tech Museum of Innovation |access-date=2019-04-08 |language=en |date=9 October 2017}}{{cite web |title=The Tech Museum of Innovation reinvents Body Worlds exhibit with unprecedented augmented reality experience |url=https://www.thetech.org/BodyWorldsDecodedPR |website=The Tech |access-date=2019-05-24 |language=en |date=9 October 2017}}
• The Tech for Global Good: Opened in 2017, this exhibit features stories of innovators who have used technology to create solutions to pressing global problems, such as vaccine delivery, homelessness, and wildlife poaching. It is a part of the Tech for Global Good program.{{Cite press release|last=Innovation|first=The Tech Museum of|date=2017-10-24|title=Five organizations dedicated to global good to be honored at The Tech Museum of Innovation|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2017/10/24/1152594/0/en/Five-organizations-dedicated-to-global-good-to-be-honored-at-The-Tech-Museum-of-Innovation.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=GlobeNewswire News Room|language=en}}
• Reboot Reality: Opened on May 26, 2017, visitors to this space can experience various types of immersive media.{{Cite web|last=Bansal|first=Devika G.|date=2017-05-25|title=Mind-bending virtual reality exhibit opens at Tech Museum|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/25/sjm-techmuseum-0526/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}}{{Cite press release|last=Innovation|first=The Tech Museum of|date=2017-05-16|title=The Tech Museum of Innovation, explores the future of creativity with cutting-edge experiences in virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/05/16/985885/0/en/The-Tech-Museum-of-Innovation-explores-the-future-of-creativity-with-cutting-edge-experiences-in-virtual-reality-augmented-reality-and-mixed-reality.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=GlobeNewswire News Room|language=en}}
• Innovations in Healthcare: Presented by El Camino Hospital, this exhibit opened in 2016 and showcases the innovation process as seen in advances in health care technology.{{Cite web|title=Innovations in Health Care Opens at The Tech Museum of Innovation|url=https://www.yahoo.com/autos/innovations-health-care-opens-tech-154209335.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=www.yahoo.com|date=15 February 2016 |language=en-US}}
• Biodesign Studio: Opened in 2016, this exhibit allows visitors an exploration of the fields of synthetic biology, bioengineering, biological design, and DIY biology.{{cite magazine|last=Medal|first=Dave|title=Synthetic Biology Is ... Complex. But This Exhibit Makes It a Blast|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/04/bio-design-studio-tech-museum/|publisher=Wired.com|access-date=16 March 2021}}

File:The Tech Museum of Innovation 01718.JPG exhibit, 2010]]

1998 – Grand Opening, five galleries: Innovation: Silicon Valley and Beyond, Life Tech: The Human Machine, Exploration: New Frontiers, Communications: Global Connections, and Center of the Edge (for shorter-term exhibits){{Cite web|title='Walk Through Time' at Tech Museum opening this weekend (October 28, 1998)|url=https://www.almanacnews.com/morgue/1998/1998_10_28.time2.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=www.almanacnews.com}}

2002 – Imagination Playground exhibits: You Cannot Catch Me, Fuzzy Spot, PlayPath Dots, Bend The Rule, Glow Stones (Nami Orbs), Spy Houses, Maracas, Light Beads, Elusive Dots, Bug Puppet

2004 – Genetics: Technology with a Twist exhibits: A letter to policymaker, GeneKid Phone, Counselor Phone, Incubator, Gene Array Simulator, Wet Lab Counters{{Cite web|last=Adams|first=Amy|date=2004-04-28|title=Tough topic gets kid-friendly touch in San Jose's Tech Museum exhibit|url=https://news.stanford.edu/news/2004/april28/focustech.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=news.stanford.edu}}

2004 – Silicon Workshop exhibits: Hardwired Chip, Potato Head exhibit

2005 – NetPlanet (a.k.a. Internet 2004) exhibits: Crazy Connection, Internet Globe exhibit, Whack A Spam, Arm Wrestling, TrendPlay

2005 – Calpine (repurposed later into Green by Design) exhibit: Calpine bike-generator

2006 – Green by Design exhibits: SuperCap Cars exhibit, Energy Tower, Regenerative Braking, Sage Glass, Smart Window, Solar Collector, Solar Hybrid Lighting

2007 – Idea House{{Cite web|last=Collins|first=Erin|date=2011-02-11|title=Idea House: Interactive Exhibition|url=https://patch.com/california/losgatos/ev--idea-house-interactive-exhibition|access-date=2021-05-11|website=Los Gatos, CA Patch|language=en}}

2008 – The Tech Virtual Test Zone (Art Film and Music) exhibits: WikiSonic, Avatar Mirror, Connecting Point, Mashup Easel, MIDI VJ, Musical Chair, Tilty Table

2009 – Tech Awards Gallery (a.k.a. UcanTu) exhibits: Life-Line Radio, Bare Foot College, Tree of Hope, Adaptive Lens, Cell Bazaar, {{as written|H|2O}} Canopy, MorSand Filter{{Cite web|last=Pizarro|first=Sal|date=2009-09-01|title=Pizarro: New gallery brings the Tech Awards up close|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2009/09/01/pizarro-new-gallery-brings-the-tech-awards-up-close/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}}

2010 – Silicon Valley Innovation Gallery Phase I exhibits: Transistors, Speed of Processor, Intel Microchip, and sponsored exhibits from Nvidia, Google, and Adobe{{Cite web|title=EXHIBITION: The Tech Silicon Valley Innovation Gallery (Tech Museum, San Jose, Ca, from Sept 15 2010)|url=https://www.mattscape.com/2010/09/exhbition-the-tech-silicon-valley-innovation-gallery-tech-museum-san-jose-ca-from-sept-15-2010.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=MATTEO BITTANTI}}

2011 – The Tech Test Zone exhibits: Digital Foam, PIXEL, Sound Circles, GigaPixel Viewer, Mmmtsss{{Cite web|last=Spadaccini|first=Jim|date=2011-11-21|title=The Tech Test Zone Opening and Gigapixel Kinect Exhibit {{!}} Ideum|url=https://archive.ideum.com/2011/11/21/tech-test-zone-open-exhibits-kinect-gigapixe/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=Ideum - Exhibit Design + Multitouch Software and Hardware}}

2012 – Silicon Valley Innovation Gallery Phase II exhibits: ReFace, Social Circles, Reactable

2014 – REBOOT: Music exhibit: Tim Thompson's Space Palette{{Cite web|date=2014-04-02|title=Tim Thompson's Space Palette at The Tech Museum of Innovation REBOOT:Music Exhibit in San Jose|url=https://markmoshermusic.com/2014/04/02/tim-thompson-space-palette-the-tech-museum-of-innovation-reboot-music-exhibit-san-jose/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=Mark Mosher|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Weinstein|first=Dave|date=2014-07-01|title=Interactive Music Turns Museum into a Funhouse|url=https://www.eichlernetwork.com/blog/dave-weinstein/interactive-music-turns-museum-funhouse|access-date=2021-05-11|website=EichlerNetwork|language=en}}

2014 – Body Metrics{{Cite web|last=Hill|first=Angela|date=2014-10-29|title=New 'Body Metrics' exhibit opens at The Tech — it's all about you|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/10/29/new-body-metrics-exhibit-opens-at-the-tech-its-all-about-you/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2014-10-29|title=The Tech Museum of Innovation Opens New Permanent Exhibition, Body Metrics|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/tech-museum-innovation-opens-permanent-180000951.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=finance.yahoo.com|language=en-US}}

In the past, The Tech rented out Parkside Hall from the City of San José to host traveling exhibits. In 2007, this hall was the home to the exhibit known as Body Worlds 2, which brought in more than 280,000 guests. In winter of 2008, there was a special Leonardo da Vinci exhibit (called Leonardo: 500 Years into the Future) that displayed some of his inventions, discoveries, and artwork; it ended January 25, 2009, after a three-week extension.{{Cite web|title=Largest Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit at The Tech Museum in San Jose|url=http://www.valleyzen.com/2008/09/28/leonardo-da-vinci-tech-museum-san-jose/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=www.valleyzen.com}}{{cite web|title=The Tech Museum of Innovation presents "Leonardo: 500 Years into the Future"|url=http://www.thetech.org/leonardo/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121122802/http://thetech.org/leonardo/|archive-date=2009-01-21|access-date=2009-01-07}} The Tech also hosted Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination from October 19, 2013, to March 23, 2014.{{cite news|author=D'Souza, Karen|title='Star Wars' exhibit launches warp speed into San Jose Tech Museum|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_24323608/star-wars-exhibit-launches-warp-speed-into-san|work=San Jose Mercury News|date=Oct 16, 2013}}{{cite web|last=Alton|first=Elizabeth|title='Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination' Makes Its Final Stop |url=http://entertainmentdesigner.com/news/museum-design-news/star-wars-where-science-meets-imagination-makes-its-final-stop-at-the-silicon-valley-tech-museum-of-innovation/|publisher=Entertainment Designer|access-date=7 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208062121/http://entertainmentdesigner.com/news/museum-design-news/star-wars-where-science-meets-imagination-makes-its-final-stop-at-the-silicon-valley-tech-museum-of-innovation/ |archive-date=2014-02-08}}{{Cite web|title=Star Wars®: Where Science Meets Imagination|url=https://www.mos.org/star-wars|access-date=2021-03-23|website=Museum of Science|language=en-us}}

• Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
• Exploratorium
• List of science centers

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.thetech.org/ Website]

{{San Jose and Silicon Valley attractions|nocat=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tech Interactive, The}}

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