Exhibition concept

The collection became a public exhibition at the BINARIUM in Dortmund. The documented concept brings together game consoles and computers in two chronological tracks. It can be taken over along with the digital exhibition texts and developed further for a new location.

Go straight to the structure · Explore the former BINARIUM

A starting point for a new exhibition

The structure provides a starting point for choosing themes, planning the sequence of a tour and connecting objects with explanatory texts. A new operator can develop their own areas of focus and adapt the scale, rooms and interpretation to their audience.

On request, Christian Ullenboom can support this adaptation as well as the setup and opening. His expert support is included in the purchase price; the scope, schedule and travel expenses are agreed individually. Discuss acquiring the collection.

Presenting history and bringing it to life

Three examples from the concept illustrate different approaches:

Playing and creating: The C64 section combines devices and cartridges with advertising, music and games. A new exhibition could use these as the basis for demonstrations or hands-on activities.
Understanding technology through comparison: The peripherals and immersion area compares different forms of game control. Objects, information panels and newly installed demonstration stations can show how interaction has changed.
Discovering gaming culture: The media lounge brings together magazines, music and demos. It offers ideas for a dedicated space for reading, listening and exploring in greater depth.

Gaming and media stations would be set up afresh at a new location. Selecting suitable devices, software and presentation formats forms part of the detailed exhibition planning.

The concept and today’s inventory

These pages document the former structure and additional design ideas. Photographs show the museum as it was. The implementation of individual proposals is not consistently documented; items marked “Planning note” originate from earlier review notes.

The current inventory lists determine what is included in the purchase. The hardware from the former gaming stations remains part of the collection.

The combined inventory overview brings together the items included. The concept and existing digital texts serve as a working basis for the new exhibition.

Elements of a section

Term	Meaning in the concept
Track	Game consoles and computers, each in chronological order
Exhibition area	A thematic part of a track, such as “The heyday of 8-bit home computers”
Section	A unit within an area with its own theme, such as “C64”
Information panel	Introductory or background text on a theme
Exhibit	An object or group of objects selected for the theme; the inventory lists show the current holdings
Gaming station	A concept for hands-on use of a device or an emulation
Media station	A concept for exploring a theme through video, sound or interactive presentation

The story behind the two tracks is told on the History of home computers and game consoles page.

Structure

The following areas and sections provide access to the concept. The tiles identify the types of elements described.

Lane: game consoles

Game consoles

Area Consoles 1

The beginnings: generations 0 to 2

From the earliest games in laboratories through Ralph Baer, the Magnavox Odyssey and Pong to the second console generation, alongside electronic toys, arcades and peripherals.

Section 1

Games in the lab

Concept elements: Panel · Gaming station