Exploring the Computer Museum of America in Metro Atlanta

If you’re in the Atlanta area and love technology, history, or just unique indoor activities, the Computer Museum of America (often called CMoA) in Roswell, Georgia is one of the most interesting museums you can visit. It’s a large, immersive space dedicated to the history of computing, from early mainframes to space technology and retro video games.

Where the Computer Museum of America Fits in Your Atlanta Plans

Although it’s technically in Roswell, the Computer Museum of America is part of the broader Atlanta cultural scene. For many locals, it’s in the same “things to do” category as:

• Fernbank Museum (for natural history)
• Atlanta History Center (for regional history)
• Tellus Science Museum in nearby Cartersville (for science and technology)

What makes CMoA stand out is its focus on computers and digital technology, which you don’t get in most traditional museums around Atlanta.

Location, Parking, and Basic Details

Computer Museum of America
5000 Commerce Parkway
Roswell, GA 30076
Phone (main line): commonly listed as a Roswell-based museum contact; check before you go for the most current number.

Getting There from Atlanta

• By car: From Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, most visitors take GA-400 North and exit toward Holcomb Bridge Road or Mansell Road, then drive a short distance into Roswell’s commercial district.
• Travel time can range from 25–45 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point (shorter from Sandy Springs, longer from south of I-20).

Parking

• The museum is in a large commercial complex with surface lot parking.
• Parking is typically free and straightforward, which is a plus compared to many intown Atlanta attractions.

What You’ll See Inside: Highlights of the Museum

The Computer Museum of America focuses on the evolution of computing and related technology. Exhibits can change over time, but visitors commonly encounter:

Large-Scale Computers and Mainframes

You’ll see mainframes and supercomputers that once filled entire rooms, the kind of machines that predate the personal computer era. For Atlanta visitors, this offers context for how quickly the city’s tech sector has grown—from early corporate data centers in places like Perimeter Center to today’s cloud-focused companies along the GA-400 corridor.

Personal Computers and Home Technology

Expect rows of classic PCs and laptops, including:

• Early home computers from the late 1970s and 1980s
• Popular models from the 1990s and early 2000s
• Devices that laid the groundwork for today’s tablets and smartphones

This is especially fun for Atlanta parents who want to show kids “what computers looked like when we were young.”

Space and Technology Connections

CMoA often includes exhibits related to:

• Space exploration and computing
• The role of computers in NASA missions and satellite technology

This ties in nicely if you’ve already visited places like Fernbank Science Center or plan to explore Tellus Science Museum and want more STEM-oriented experiences.

Gaming and Interactive Exhibits

Depending on what’s active during your visit, you may find:

• Retro video game displays
• Interactive or hands-on elements where guests can try older systems

These are popular with families and groups of friends looking for something more interactive than a traditional “look-only” museum experience.

Who the Museum Is Best For

The Computer Museum of America is especially appealing if you:

• Work in tech in Atlanta’s growing technology corridor and want a deeper sense of industry history
• Have kids or teens interested in computers, coding, robotics, or gaming
• Are looking for a rainy-day indoor activity that’s more unique than a movie or mall
• Enjoy STEM-focused learning experiences alongside other Atlanta attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or the Center for Civil and Human Rights

People who are less interested in technology might still find the visuals impressive, but the experience is most rewarding if you’re at least somewhat curious about how computers work or how they’ve evolved.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

Typical Visit Length

Most Atlanta-area visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours at the Computer Museum of America, depending on how deeply they read exhibit panels and whether they have kids.

Best Time to Go

• Weekdays often feel quieter, which can be ideal if you prefer more space and time to explore.
• Weekends may have more families and groups; this can make the museum feel lively but also busier.
• If you’re driving from in-town Atlanta, factor in GA-400 traffic during rush hours.

Tickets and Admission

Admission details can change, but generally:

• Tickets are purchased on-site or online in advance.
• There are usually different price categories (adults, youth, seniors, and possibly discounts for groups or military).

Because pricing may be updated periodically, it’s best to verify current admission rates and operating hours directly with the museum before heading out.

Accessibility and Amenities

Accessibility

The museum is housed in a modern commercial facility in Roswell, which typically includes:

• Ground-level or ramp access
• Wide aisles suitable for wheelchairs and strollers
• Restrooms on the main floor

If you need specific accommodations, calling ahead to confirm is a good idea, especially if you’re traveling from farther areas of metro Atlanta.

Food and Nearby Options

The Computer Museum of America itself may have limited or no full-service dining, so visitors often:

• Eat at nearby restaurants in Roswell before or after their visit
• Combine a museum trip with time in Historic Roswell (along Canton Street), which has a strong restaurant scene

This makes the museum a good centerpiece for a half-day or full-day outing outside of central Atlanta.

How It Compares to Other Atlanta Museums

If you’re planning an Atlanta itinerary, it helps to know how CMoA fits with other local museums:

For people who live in Atlanta long-term, the Computer Museum of America is one of those “I’ve been meaning to go” spots that often becomes a favorite once they finally visit.

Making the Most of a Trip from Atlanta

To maximize your time if you’re coming from Atlanta proper:

1. Check hours before you go

   • Museum hours can vary by day and season. Confirm opening and closing times to avoid surprises.

2. Plan around GA-400 traffic

   • Northbound traffic can be heavy on weekday late afternoons. Many locals aim for mid-morning arrivals or late-morning/early-afternoon windows.

3. Pair it with another Roswell stop

   • After the museum, you might stroll around Historic Roswell, grab a meal, or enjoy one of the nearby parks along the Chattahoochee River (like Riverside Park or Chattahoochee Nature Center).

4. Consider it for school breaks and holidays

   • Atlanta-area families often look for educational, air-conditioned activities during summer or school breaks, and CMoA fits that need well.

Group Visits, Field Trips, and Events

Many Atlanta schools, clubs, and corporate teams use the Computer Museum of America for:

• STEM-related field trips
• Team-building outings for tech or engineering departments
• Special events or private rentals in a tech-themed environment

If you’re organizing a group from an Atlanta school, homeschool co-op, or local company, contact the museum directly to ask about:

• Group rates
• Guided tour options
• Space for presentations or educational activities

When the Computer Museum of America Is a Good Choice

You might prioritize a visit to CMoA if:

• You’ve already seen Atlanta’s “big three” (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, World of Coca-Cola’s neighboring attractions) and want something less touristy
• You want a local outing that feels different from typical shopping or dining
• You work in or are studying IT, computer science, engineering, or digital media and want inspiration or context
• You’re entertaining out-of-town guests who are fascinated by technology and want to see something unique to the Atlanta area

For those living in Atlanta or nearby suburbs, the Computer Museum of America offers an easy, educational half-day trip that connects the city’s modern tech-driven economy with the early machines that made it possible.