The Santa Clara Valley of northern California, was until the 1960s, a thriving agricultural location. The invention of computers and silicon chips quickly gave rise to numerous high tech industries and the current nomenclature Silicon Valley. The birthplace of Apple, eBay, Facebook and Google contains a multitude of attractions, including museums commemorating everything from ancient civilizations, art and music to the advancements in modern technology.

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium houses over 4000 authentic ancient artifacts, along with replications of elaborate tombs and temples. Explore the daily lives of the common people and the royal families of the civilization by viewing the games and toys of the children, the cosmetics and jewelry of the women, and the tools and artisanship of the men. Learn how Napoleon’s discovery of the Rosetta Stone unveiled the lost language of hieroglyphics, originally only known by a select few.

The Santa Clara University property contains the Mission Santa Clara and the de Saisset Museum. The Spanish government financed the mission, established in 1777, for the purpose of furthering territorial expansion and to prevent British or Russian invasion. A Franciscan order ran the mission in hopes of converting and educating the native Ohlone people. Over time, disasters and political uprising caused secularization of the area. The Santa Clara College was built in 1851, but the mission church remains on the property.

The University’s de Saisset Museum houses artifacts from the original mission and the California Native Americans. Visitors also have the opportunity to view a collection of American, African, European and Oriental art. Those interested in Native American art and artifacts may also visit the Triton Museum of Art.

The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles celebrates an unique art form represented by various cultures through a collection of historical and modern quilts and woven textiles. Discover creative uses for recycled blue jeans or view wearable art from around the world. Glimpse the methods employed in creating and coloring textiles. The Lace Museum depicts the history and the art of making lace. Guests learn the materials and tools utilized in the craft and view the numerous objects lace adorns.

Contained within a special 52,000 square foot purple building, many consider the Children’s Discovery Museum as one of the top science centers in the world. Children of all ages learn about the world around them through play and the multitudes of interactive exhibits. Youngsters explore the history of toys from around the globe and have the opportunity to create replications. Kids acquire first hand experience in nutrition as they venture into the museum garden, selecting items to create a homemade pizza.

Families also explore the sciences by visiting the Tech Museum of Innovation. Interactive exhibits include everything from anatomy to virtual reality. Engage in various aspects of alternative energy, communications, earth science, genetics and technology. Aeronautical enthusiasts venture to Moffett Field Historical Museum, the site of the massive Hanger 1. Learn the history of various military craft including the monstrous Macon dirigible. Experience underwater sonar sounds or dare to ride on a modern day rigid airship.

Silicon Valley museums would not be complete without the Intel and Computer History museums. At the Intel Museum, guests have the opportunity to interact with computers through hands on exhibits. Youngsters learn basic electronic circuitry by building burglar alarms and doorbells. Experience performing in a protective bunny suit, interact with a cascade of binary codes, or have a conversation with a robot. The Computer History Museum contains one of the largest collections of computer artifacts in the world. See the creation of an oversized relic, originally designed in the 1870s, known as the Baggage Engine or learn the basics of computer game software