The San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT) has officially unveiled its latest attraction, the Techtopia Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of historical gadgets. The museum opened to the public at Port San Antonio, located at 5035 SW 36th St., honoring the legacy of its late founder, David Monroe.
Techtopia features exhibits predominantly centered on everyday information technology and communication tools, including rotary telephones, punch-card machines, and early personal computers. Younger visitors can experience a glimpse of technology from the past, contrasting with today’s digital world.
Interactive displays invite guests to engage in various activities, such as making a Datapoint video call, visualizing sound waves, and playing on early video game consoles. Additionally, visitors can explore devices like Napier’s bones, a 1617 invention designed to simplify arithmetic calculations.
The museum also includes a moon mission display that highlights the crucial role computers played in space exploration. A T-34C flight simulator is available for guests to experience, although no flight suits are provided for photo opportunities reminiscent of the film The Right Stuff.
SAMSAT has been working toward the creation of Techtopia for over a decade, responding to a 2014 report that recognized San Antonio as the largest U.S. city without a dedicated technology museum. The organization developed an initial prototype in 2015 and relocated to Port San Antonio, debuting a preview center in 2017 and an education center in 2020. In 2022, they launched AREA 21, which showcases 21st-century innovation.
According to SAMSAT’s annual report, the museum welcomed over 36,000 visitors in 2024. Techtopia aims to offer insights into the evolution of technology that led to today’s smart devices and digital assistants, while AREA 21 focuses on contemporary advancements in simulation, robotics, and esports.
Techtopia is open to the public on weekends, with hours from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission prices range from free to $18.
