Load ZX Spectrum – first Museum dedicated to our first personal computer
Recorded: Dec. 3, 2025, 3:04 a.m.
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LOAD ZX Spectrum - World's first Museum dedicated to our first personal computer PTESA MUSEUM DEDICATED TO OUR FIRST PERSONAL COMPUTER
Museum LOAD ZX Spectrum is the result of a collaboration between the Municipality of Cantanhede and the Associação Geração SPECTRUM (SPECTRUM Generation Association) that explores João Diogo Ramos’s collection, one of the biggest international collectors within this field and that was born in Cantanhede.The LOAD MUSEUM is dedicated to the ZX Spectrum,which was for many Portuguese and foreigners (Spanish, English, etc.) their first personal computer. But the Museum also includes a lot of other equipment related to this theme, in a functional state and properly documented, so that the visitors can enjoy it.Get to know the history of this treasure which contributed, in a very decisive way, to the introduction of technology in so many peoples’ lives and some even built careers in the area. Appreciate the role of this device in the technological revolution that already put cell phones in our pockets. And learn - in case you don’t know it yet - about the important role that Portugal played at the TIMEX factory when this phenomenon started in the 80s. Come pay tribute to the inventors who created these magical devices and the games that made it famous and come witness that the ZX Spectrum is more alive than ever, with games and even new computers being launched. Exhibition Area150 m2 Tour GuidesSpanish guide will be made available as soon as possible.Portuguese and English Revenues & DonationsReinvested in the Museum Photography & VideoYES! No restrictions Books & MagazinesFor consultation on site
Virtual Tour Business Plan Sinclair World TIMEX Digital Archive [PT] Events [PT] Books [PT] Museum Exclusive [PT] How to Help [PT] Want to play?
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Load ZX Museum, and it was simply extraordinary! For anyone passionate about technology or nostalgic for the gadgets of yesteryear, this museum is an absolute gem. It boasts an impressive collection from the world of Sinclair, featuring everything from early components, portable radios, and televisions to the wonderful "Spectrum" computers that served as an entire generation's gateway to this world. What makes this museum truly special is the care, attention, and passion evident in the details, personified in the figure of its curator, João Diogo Ramos. I recommend it to anyone, young or old, who appreciates the beauty and history of technology. It's not just a museum, it's a time capsule celebrating the ingenuity and visionary, creative and inventive personality of Clive Sinclair.read moreread less Some of the most fun I had in a museum in years!!read moreread less I recommend this visit to anyone interested in computers, videogames and technology.read moreread less I don't even live in Portugal, but I was going to visit my girlfriend's parents for Xmas and it was the perfect opportunity to visit the museum which was within a few hours driving distance. When we arrived there, we were greeted by João at the door. He was very friendly and happy to meet a fellow spectrum fan. He showed us around. The entire collection at the museum is owned by him and it is extensive. Everything ZX Spectrum was right there, from the original machines to the clones, from earlier predecessors like the MK14 to later non-Sinclair machines like MGT's SAM Coupé. There was even a Sinclair C5 electric car. Walking into the main room where the collection is was like walking into a time capsule. I was transported back to my childhood. With games running on actual hardware, ZX Spectrum related documentaries playing on multiple screens, the machines on display in cabinets, it was a perfectly executed vintage computer feast. João was extremely knowledgeable about everything and he was very happy to share his knowledge and stories as well. Among the machines there were rarities and oddities, like an NTSC Spectrum, the Timex FDD3000, my personal favorite the Sam Coupé, and Portuguese Speccy clones. Not everything in the museum is behind glass cabinets either. Visitors can get some hands on time with some of the machines as well, if they choose to. There's a big desk full of machines, both vintage and modern, sporting peripherals like the DivMMC, and a spectrum Vega all waiting to please those who want to play with them. Overall it was a great experience and we spent a great two and a half hours which felt like 15 minutes to me. João was with us the whole time guiding us and telling us about the machines, their stories, his own personal experience. Chatting with him was one of the best parts of the experience. Whether you're a nostalgic fan of the ZX Spectrum, or someone who would like to find out more about vintage computing and a bygone era when computers and computing was very different than what they are today, we would highly recommend seeing this wonderful museum put together with great enthusiasm, lots of passion and a bit of nostalgia.read moreread less Facebook Tripadvisor Youtube Linkedin Instagram Twitter VISITING THE MUSEUMAccess to the museum is free, and you can take a guided digital tour using your mobile phone or a tablet available at the reception.GUIDED TOURSThe museum also offers guided tours for groups. These are subject to availability and confirmation by our tour guides and must be requested in advance via the following email: LOCATION How to get here How to get here Close Accommodation Accommodation Close Parking Parking Close
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The LOAD ZX Museum, located in Cantanhede, Portugal, represents a unique and deeply engaging experience for anyone with an interest in the history of personal computing. Established through the collaboration between the Municipality of Cantanhede and the Associação Geração SPECTRUM, led by João Diogo Ramos, a significant collector of vintage computers, the museum offers a remarkable glimpse into the evolution of technology, specifically focusing on the immensely influential ZX Spectrum. The museum’s core exhibits encompass a comprehensive collection of Sinclair machines, alongside related equipment and devices. It provides a tangible connection to the formative years of computing, a period when the ZX Spectrum served as an entry point for countless individuals, including many in Portugal and across Europe. Beyond merely showcasing these machines, the LOAD ZX Museum provides context through meticulously documented artifacts, illustrating the impact of these devices on the development of technology and the careers of many. Several key aspects contribute to the museum’s significance. Firstly, the extensive collection of machines, ranging from the initial Spectrum models to later iterations, both Sinclair and non-Sinclair, offers a detailed overview of the evolution within the computing landscape. Secondly, the museum’s curator, João Diogo Ramos, plays a central role, not just in managing the collection but in sharing his encyclopedic knowledge and passion for the subject. He expertly guides visitors through the story of the ZX Spectrum, demonstrating its technological innovations, its cultural impact and the wider context of the 80s computing revolution. The museum's presentation is enhanced by the availability of guided tours, both general and for groups, underlining the importance of context and expert interpretation. Visitors can explore the museum's 150 square meter exhibition space via a free digital tour, utilizing their own mobile devices. The museum also provides a tangible experience for visitors, offering the opportunity to interact with some of the machines, reinforcing the interactive and educational experience. Furthermore, the LOAD ZX Museum emphasizes its role within the broader heritage of computing, highlighting the connection between the ZX Spectrum's story and the influence of companies like TIMEX. It serves as a vital resource for understanding the foundations of modern computing, while simultaneously offering a nostalgic journey for individuals who experienced the wonders of these early computers. The museum’s dedication to preservation, combined with its engaging presentations and knowledgeable curators, make it an invaluable destination for tech enthusiasts, historians, and anyone curious about the origins of the digital age. |