FAQ

Visiting

Do I need to book to visit?

No – tickets for general admission can be purchased at the door.

What can I actually do or see at MAC Museum?

The museum layout allows you to browse through the exhibits and explore Apple’s history in a mostly chronological order. There are around 30 computers set up similar to how they may have been on your desk at home or office.

Of the 30 computers set up, over half are functional – you’re welcome to pull up a stool and explore hands-on. Various software is installed, and some of the earlier computers like the Apple IIe, Apple IIGS and Mac Plus have floppy disks alongside them for you to use.

There are hundreds of individual Apple items to see, including over 80 computers and over 30 different monitors. There is also a display of Newtons and accessories, and other accessories such as QuickTake camera, printers, storage drives, and software.

And finally, there is a library of old Macworld, MacFormat, and MacAddict magazines, as well as some books. You’re welcome to sit down and have a read!

Can I bring a larger group through, such as my school class?

Yes! Please contact me to discuss further.

Will Matthew be there?

Yes, I will 🙂 If the museum is open, I will be there. I’m very happy to have a chat. When not talking about what’s on display, you’ll probably find me tinkering with an exhibit or repairing something.

The business side of things

Entry fee? Where does this money go?

First, the entry fee charged is inclusive of any payment platform processing fees.
Secondly, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Endometriosis Australia. (If you don’t know about endometriosis, please read about it on the Endometriosis Australia website – there is a good chance a female you know is suffering from it)
Thirdly, funds received will cover operating costs: rent, electricity, insurances, water, parts for repairs.
And if there is anything left over, it is put back into improving the facilities.

How much does the museum cost to keep open?

This is a tricky one, but a rough estimate is around $35,000 per annum. That translates to needing around 55 ticket sales per week. There are no paid employees.

I can see MAC Museum is a registered company – why?

There are various reasons for this, but most relate to the requirements around operating a facility that accepts payments and welcomes the public into the premises.

Is MAC Museum Matthew’s full-time gig?

Maybe one day, but, no, not currently. I’m fortunate to have a great “day-job” I love, with MAC Museum a very passionate “hobby”.

Supporting MAC Museum

Does MAC Museum want my old Apple stuff?

If you’ve got something to move on, thank you for thinking of MAC Museum for it, and I’d love to hear from you.

If I donate a computer, display, accessory, software, etc., what will happen with it?

Excellent question! Where an item can serve as an exhibit, that will be the primary use. If the item is not in good order, it will likely be repaired, or serve as parts for other items for repair.
In some instances, items may be resold with proceeds used to support the museum running expenses.

I don’t have anything to donate, but I’d love to help! What can I do?

Let’s chat! Drop me an email, message, phone call and we can talk.

Supporting you

I have some old floppy disks/Zip disks/Syquest disks – can MAC Museum help me to look at them or get the data off?

Hopefully! You’re welcome to bring in media to look at on a computer. Floppy disks are reasonably easy as a lot of machines will have floppy disk drives, and Zip disks should be okay too. Please contact ahead if you have Syquest disks. Please remember that files will need the appropriate software on the computer too. Depending on what type of media you have, it may be possible to put a copy on a USB stick.

Where can I indulge myself more in vintage Apple stuff?

The good news is that there are heaps of people out there like you interested in collecting, repairing, restoring, and enjoying old Apple computers.

Top of the list for me would be to join the Vintage Apple & Macintosh Enthusiasts of Australia group on Facebook.

While you’re doing that, also check out the Australian Vintage Computer Collectors group – not limited to Apple products, but also a great place to absorb retro and vintage tech.

Can I buy a fully restored Mac or Apple II from MAC Museum?

Unfortunately, no, not just yet. This is on the roadmap, but for now the focus for MAC Museum is the exhibits.