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Microsoft Closes Redmond Visitor Center After 15 Years
The popular museum showcasing the company's history and early tech has shuttered its doors.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Microsoft has closed its Visitor Center and Museum in Redmond, Washington after operating the attraction for around 15 years. The center housed historical artifacts and interactive exhibits related to the early days of Microsoft and personal computing. A spokesperson for the company cited unspecified reasons for the closure, though a newer, more exclusive 'Experience Center One' has recently opened for customers and dignitaries.
Why it matters
The Microsoft Visitor Center was a popular destination that allowed the public to engage with and learn about the company's origins and technological breakthroughs. Its closure marks the end of an era for Microsoft's public-facing museum and means the loss of a unique window into the history of personal computing.
The details
The Visitor Center was located in the original Eddie Bauer headquarters building in Redmond and contained exhibits like the first computer owned by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the Altair 8800, which inspired them to start writing code that led to the founding of Microsoft. The center also featured hands-on experiences that let visitors explore some of Microsoft's most significant tech innovations over the years.
- The Microsoft Visitor Center had been open for around 15 years.
- Microsoft recently opened a new 'Experience Center One' for customers and dignitaries.
The players
Microsoft
The multinational technology company that was co-founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen and is one of the world's largest and most influential tech firms.
Bill Gates
The co-founder of Microsoft and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, known for his pioneering work in personal computing and philanthropic efforts.
Paul Allen
The co-founder of Microsoft who, along with Bill Gates, helped launch the personal computer revolution.
The takeaway
The closure of Microsoft's Visitor Center marks the end of a public-facing museum that provided a unique window into the company's origins and the early days of personal computing. While Microsoft has opened a new, more exclusive experience center, the loss of this historical attraction is a notable shift for the tech giant.
