It is amazing how when I say to people that we are preparing an exhibition about the 1980s, one of the first things they mention is Commodore 64 computers. Surprisingly, the Powerhouse Museum does not have one it its collection. Does anybody have a Commodore 64 they would like to donate? With games? We’d like one with an interesting history of ownership and use. We are looking for a Commodore 64 on which we can run games in the exhibition as a working exhibit, rather than to be acquired in the collection. Can you help?
About
Remember the 1980s?
We are researching for an exhibition about Australia in the 1980s. The focus is on lifestyle, popular culture and, in particular, the experiences of young people at that time. Hopefully this exhibition will resonate with people who now look back on the 1980s as a seminal time in their lives. This blog traces the development of ideas and content. Please let me know if you have any thoughts about what this exhibition should include.
From our Flickr group
We also have a Flickr group where we are gathering images from the community to illustrate the core themes of the exhibition.
Hi. I don’t have a 64 but I’m sure I still have an Atari 2600 with games somewhere around. Does that help?
Thanks David! We will be in touch with you.
Hey there,
I have a Commodore (?) Amiga 500 computer with original games like Outrun, Tintin – Explorers on the Moon, and a Michael Jackson game (weird I know but very popular at the time).
I still have the original OKI thermal cartridge tape printer that came with it.
Don’t know if you need it for the exhibition.
Belinda
Belinda
Thanks for the offer. We will be in touch!
I have two versions – tThe basic, and, what may well be considered as a protege of the laptop as it is portable.
The Basic one is still in its origininal packaging
I don’t have one either, but I do have:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_Z88
… and an instruction book. Let’s know if you would like it.
Hi, I have a C64 with a multitude of games and somewhat interesting background. It is in working condition with original packaging. If interested, I am happy for you to look at. Regards, David
Thanks to everyone who offered a Commodore 64. We now have the one we need and really appreciate your kind offers.
Llamasoft tradeshow footage from mid 80s!
Llamasoft History – 80s computer show 1 from Jeff Minter on Vimeo.
Hi, I can’t believe I never noticed this upcoming exhibition/blog.
I see you don’t mention Amigas anywhere, this was a major 80s computer.
Interesting fact: The Powerhouse museum used a vast amount of Amigas for its interactive displays in the 80s/90s, and still had an Amiga 2000 (released in 1987) running at least one display when I last visited in 2005.
There is also no mention of the Microbee, this was an Australian computer! All 80s kids from Australia used one..