Walking into the Extinct Media Museum feels like stepping into a time capsule for anyone who grew up in the analogue age – and like a crash course for those who didn’t. Tucked away on the first and basement floors of an office complex, the museum showcases around 1,500 items in its permanent collection, from typewriters and floppy disks to vintage cameras, old cellphones, PDAs, early Macintosh laptops and Walkmans. What makes it unique isn’t just the breadth of the displays, or that most of the items are donations, but the invitation to touch, hold and explore. Visitors are encouraged to pick up the devices and feel the evolution of technology first hand.
The exhibits are arranged roughly by era, moving from vintage film cameras and typewriters to home video formats and early digital devices. Space is limited and the displays are densely packed, but that only adds to the excitement of stumbling upon oddities and forgotten relics. Labels can be small, so it’s worth taking your time to look closely.
Opened in 2023, the museum is built on the idea that all media except paper and stone are eventually rendered obsolete. Admission (¥2,000) includes the opportunity to interact, photograph and even try out some of the objects. Highlights include rarities like the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh and Apple’s QuickTake 200 digital camera. For tech enthusiasts, film buffs or anyone curious about the history of communication, this museum is a hidden gem worth seeking out.
The museum is generally open year-round from 11am to 7pm. As it also functions as a recording studio, it may close in 2-hour blocks. Check the latest schedule before visiting.