Technology firm Samsung has opened its own museum charting the history – and future – of electronics innovation.
The 10,950sq m (117,865sq ft) Samsung Innovation Museum holds pride of place at the Samsung Electronics’ Digital City headquarters in Suwon, Korea, and spans five floors. It is divided into three exhibition halls, with more than 150 historical items – including Thomas Edison’s early filament lamp from the 1900s and Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless telegraph ‘Maggie’ from 1896 – displayed in the first two, the Age of Inventors and the Age of Industry Innovation.
However, the museum is not an entirely neutral exploration of the history of electronics, with a third hall, the Age of Creation, serving as something of a branded showroom to promote the company and display its latest products. A 180-degree ultra-high definition panorama screen is also used to share Samsung’s vision for the future.
Interactive transparent displays and specially created videos are used throughout the museum to provide context and further information.
“The Samsung Innovation Museum brings together some of the true historical masterpieces of electronics innovation. These inventions laid the technological foundation that allowed us to develop and refine products that enhance lives today,” said Oh-Hyun Kwon, vice chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics.
“The museum gives visitors an opportunity to see where we’ve come from and also see where Samsung draws inspiration from to continue to create category defining products.”
The museum opened on 19 April to coincide with Samsung Electronics’ 45th anniversary.