A MUSEUM DEDICATED TO OUR FIRST PERSONAL COMPUTER
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 Area
We are working in order to provide expanded facilities in 2022/3.
100 m2
Tour Guides
Spanish guide will be made available as soon as possible.
Portuguese
and English
Revenues & Donations
Reinvested in
the Museum
Photography & Video
YES!
No restrictions
Books & Magazines
For consultation
on site
- comerEboer 1/28/2020A true nostalgic experience! One of the only, if not the only, museum dedicated to the Spectrum/Sinclair landscape that recollects so many nostalgic memories! A must see for everyone who had contact with these machines, and a good experience for families to show kids how we played computer "back in the days" 😉read moreread less
- ricardopereiraw 1/29/2020First time touching a ZX Spectrum! I'm a software engineer and I never had the pleasure to interact with a ZX Spectrum, so it was my first time and it was a joy! But it's not only for computer enthusiastics, this is modern history and it's suitable for everyone who like to understand the history behind our modern days.read moreread less
- conniesearle 12/28/2019Fantastic! Absolutely worth visiting! We visited for a few hours and had such a great time. João is so knowledgable - I don’t know anything about the story of spectrums and their relationship with Portugal, but now I’m so well informed. The collection is so large - and you can even try out some of the games on the original machines! If you get the chance to visit, definitely do!read moreread lessVitor P 1/28/2020A place that brings old memories and to remember with a smile 🙂 Amazing idea, a unique place in Portugal where you can find and remember an important part of the past of thousands of people that lived the experience of this amazing machines that were at the beginning of an era.read moreread less
- Sss01001 1/09/2020Astonishing Sinclair museum! I was really amazed with the huge historical Sinclair colection owned and presented by João Diogo Ramos. Any oldschool computer fan should visit this place and enjoy this brilliant Sinclair journey. Besides his entusiasm is truly passionate and unique, it was a very nostalgic experience indeed.read moreread less
- Franciscogourmet 2/01/2020Amazing museum and a time travel to childhood I owned a ZX Spectrum growing up and it was my most favorite possession as a kid. I learned to program on it. I loved the games. I was browsing the ZX Spectrum hashtag on instagram when I saw a photograph of someone posing in front of this museum with the giant ZX spectrum in the background and the second I saw it, I knew I wanted to visit.
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
OPENING HOURS OF THE MUSEUM
Tuesday to Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed on Mondays and a few Holidays (January 1st, Easter (Sunday), May 1st, December 24th and December 25th)
NEW: As you can see, the museum is now open on Sundays, on most Holidays and no longer closes at lunch time!
contacts
- Escola Básica Conde Ferreira, Largo do Conselheiro Ferreira Freire / EN 335, 3060-133 Cantanhede
- +351 231 429 813
-
info@loadzx.com (General)
- curator@loadzx.com (Feedback or Doubts)
VISITING THE MUSEUM
Access 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 TOURS
The museum also offers guided tours for groups. These must be booked in advance through the following contacts:
- +351 231 429 813
- visit@loadzx.com
- Duration: 30 to 40 minutes.
- A maximum of 20 members per group.
- 100% for schools in the municipality of Cantanhede; institutional visits; personalities with relevance to the history of the museum; IPSS of the municipality of Cantanhede.
- 50% for visits officially promoted by Non-Profit Associations based in the municipality of Cantanhede; large families (5 people from the same household).
- 25% for groups up to 8 people; partner entities with active protocol.
LOCATION
© 2019-2023
Museum LOAD ZX Spectrum
The LOAD ZX Spectrum Museum is not associated in any way with Sir Clive Sinclair,
his companies, TIMEX or any others. All trademarks are property of their rightful owners.