FAQ
Questions about
MAC Museum.
Answers for visitors, supporters, donors, collectors, and anyone curious about what happens inside the museum.
Visiting
Planning your time at the museum.
Do I need to book to visit?
No. Come down when MAC Museum is open. Check dates on the website, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram for posted opening dates.
What can I actually do or see at MAC Museum?
The museum layout lets you browse the exhibits and explore Apple's history in mostly chronological order. Around 30 computers are set up like they may have been on a desk at home or in an office.
More than half of those setups are functional, and visitors are welcome to pull up a stool and explore hands-on. Some earlier computers, such as the Apple IIe and Mac Plus, have floppy disks alongside them for use.
There are hundreds of individual Apple items to see, including more than 100 computers, over 30 monitors, Newtons, QuickTake cameras, printers, storage drives, software, books, and old Mac magazines.
Can I bring a larger group, such as my school class?
Yes. Please make contact to discuss the group and what you would like to do.
Will Matthew be there?
Yes. If the museum is open, Matthew will be there. He is happy to chat, and when he is not talking about the displays, he is usually tinkering with an exhibit or repairing something.
The business side of things
Cost, contributions, and running the place.
How much does it cost to visit?
MAC Museum entry is $9 per person for casual visitors. Membership starts at $9 per month and includes a monthly guest pass.
How much does the museum cost to keep open?
A rough estimate is around $35,000 per year, made up of operating costs including rent, electricity, insurance, water, and parts to repair and keep the computers functional. There are no paid employees.
Why is MAC Museum a registered company?
Most of the reasons relate to the requirements of operating a facility that accepts payments and welcomes the public into the premises.
Is MAC Museum Matthew's full-time gig?
Not currently. Maybe one day. For now, Matthew has a day job he loves, with MAC Museum operating as a very passionate hobby.
Supporting MAC Museum
Donations, old Apple gear, and helping out.
Does MAC Museum want my old Apple stuff?
If you have something to move on, thank you for thinking of MAC Museum. Matthew would love to hear from you.
What happens if I donate a computer, display, accessory, or software?
If an item can serve as an exhibit, that will be its primary use. If it is not in good order, it may be repaired or used as parts for other repairs.
In some instances, items may be resold, with proceeds used to support museum running expenses.
I do not have anything to donate, but I would love to help. What can I do?
Start a conversation. Email, message, or call, and Matthew can talk through possible ways to help.
Supporting you
Old media, vintage groups, and restored machines.
Can MAC Museum help with old floppy disks, Zip disks, or SyQuest disks?
Hopefully. You are welcome to bring media in to look at on a computer. Floppy disks are usually straightforward because many machines have floppy drives, and Zip disks should often be okay too.
Please contact ahead if you have SyQuest disks. Files may need appropriate software on the computer, and depending on the media type, it may be possible to copy files to a USB stick.
Where can I find more vintage Apple people?
There are many people interested in collecting, repairing, restoring, and enjoying old Apple computers. The Vintage Apple & Macintosh Enthusiasts of Australia group on Facebook is a good place to start.
The Australian Vintage Computer Collectors group is also worth checking out. It is not limited to Apple products, but is a great place to absorb retro and vintage tech.
Can I buy a fully restored Mac or Apple II from MAC Museum?
Not just yet. It is on the roadmap, but for now the focus for MAC Museum is the exhibits.
Still wondering?
Ask Matthew directly.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, send a message and Matthew will help where he can.