Museum of Radio and Technology
Discover a world of vintage electronics, from Titanic radios to early computers, in this surprisingly vast Huntington museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more guide attention
Museum of Radio and Technology
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more guide attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of vintage electronics, from Titanic radios to early computers, in this surprisingly vast Huntington museum.
"This place is AMAZING! The guided tour is incredibly informative, and they have so much stuff to see."
🎯 Ask Questions!
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love to share. Your questions enhance the experience!
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
Don't rush! There's a lot to see, from radios to early computers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Titanic Radio
Main Exhibit Hall
See a working replica of the radio used on the Titanic – a chilling piece of history.
Early Electronic Marvels
Various Exhibits
Explore everything from gramophones and telegraphs to early computers and TVs.
Atomic Energy Lab for Kids
Special Exhibits
Discover the surprising (and slightly alarming) Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory.
Iconoscope TV Camera
Television Exhibit
Marvel at the Iconoscope, the first camera used at the World's Fair.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask Questions!
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love to share. Your questions enhance the experience! +1
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
Don't rush! There's a lot to see, from radios to early computers.
I went to my local radio museum today. I took some pictures of my favorite items on display.
So i got them at home, they where for free, never had so old radios thats gonna be something new to me, ill try to restore them, i hope i get at least 1 or 2 to work again
💰 Donate Generously
This museum is a national treasure; your donations help preserve history.
💡 Interactive Exhibits
Some exhibits allow interaction, like making radio contact with a battleship!
Help me Tube Radio
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask Questions!
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love to share. Your questions enhance the experience! +1
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
Don't rush! There's a lot to see, from radios to early computers.
💰 Donate Generously
This museum is a national treasure; your donations help preserve history.
💡 Interactive Exhibits
Some exhibits allow interaction, like making radio contact with a battleship!
📻 Tube Radio Repair
Check for their week-long basic tube radio repair course!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Museum of Radio and Technology, calling it an 'amazing' and 'grooviest' experience that far exceeds expectations. The knowledgeable and friendly guides, coupled with an incredibly diverse collection ranging from Titanic radios to early computers, make it a must-visit. Some visitors note the space is small but packed with treasures, and recommend allocating ample time and donating generously.
"This super exceeded my expectations! Bob was an amazing tour guide and I learned so much! I heavily suggest taking your time, talking and asking questions! Definitely worth a visit if you are into the area!"
Corey Mullikin
"This place is AMAZING! The guided tour is incredibly informative, and they have so much stuff to see. Not just radios but gramophones, amberola players, telegraph, even the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory!! They also offer a basic tube radio repair course for a week! The staff are super friendly and nice, shout out to Bill, Bob and Geoff. Hands down one of the most awesome museums I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to many all over the world)"
Daniel Gervais
"Geoff was our personal tour guide. He was very knowledgable. There were plenty of exhibits in the small space. Love to see how the technology has evolved. Even got to meet a local celebrity in the person of Gary "Music" Miller. I encourage people who are into vintage radio and television broadcast equipment to visit."
James Raines
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Huntington, WV. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, most visitors arrive by car. There's a normal-looking parking lot available.
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors. It's described as a 'normal looking parking lot' but don't let that fool you about the treasures inside!
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or call ahead. However, many visitors recommend arriving in the morning to make the most of guided tours.
Information on accessibility is not extensively detailed in online reviews, but the museum is housed in a building with historical significance. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility concerns.
While walk-ins are welcome, a guided tour is highly recommended by visitors to fully appreciate the exhibits and gain historical context. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are not consistently listed in reviews, but visitors strongly emphasize the value and recommend donating at the end of the tour. The experience is considered well worth the cost.
It's not strictly required, but booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to ensure a spot with a knowledgeable guide like Bob or Geoff. +1
Specific discount information is not readily available in reviews. It's best to contact the museum directly to inquire about any potential concessions.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the door, but booking a guided tour ahead of time is strongly advised for the best experience.
Refund policies are not mentioned in visitor reviews. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a vast collection including historic radios, gramophones, early computers, TVs, telegraph equipment, and even unique items like the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory and a working Titanic radio. +1
Absolutely! Visitors rave about the guides (Bob, Bill, Geoff) being incredibly knowledgeable and making the exhibits come alive. It's a highly recommended part of the visit. +1
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully explore and absorb the information. Don't rush your experience!
Yes, some exhibits offer interactive elements, such as making radio contact with a battleship. The guides often facilitate these engaging experiences.
While the focus is historical technology, the sheer variety of items, including unique and sometimes surprising artifacts like the atomic energy kit, can be fascinating for curious children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no mentions of a cafe or food services within the museum in visitor reviews. It's advisable to plan for dining before or after your visit.
Huntington, WV, offers various dining options. Visitors typically explore the local area for food after their museum visit.
Information regarding outside food and drinks is not provided in reviews. It's best to assume that food and beverages are not permitted inside the exhibit areas.
Huntington has a range of restaurants that cater to families. You can find casual dining spots and fast-food options easily accessible from the museum.
Huntington offers diverse culinary choices, from American comfort food to international flavors. Exploring local eateries is part of the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies are not explicitly stated in reviews. However, many visitors share photos, suggesting it's generally permitted, though flash photography might be restricted.
The working Titanic radio, the vintage TVs with their unique displays, early computers, and the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory are visually striking and make for great photos.
While not explicitly mentioned, it's always a good practice to avoid flash photography, especially around delicate artifacts, and to be mindful of other visitors.
Similar to photography, video recording policies are not detailed. It's likely permitted, but always be considerate of others and museum guidelines.
Weekday mornings might offer fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots. However, the lighting inside the museum is generally consistent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided tour, as the guides are adept at making complex information accessible and can tailor their explanations to different age groups. The interactive elements, like making radio contact, can be particularly exciting for younger visitors. Allow ample time, as kids might want to linger at displays that catch their eye. It's a great opportunity to spark curiosity about how things used to work and the evolution of the technology they use every day.
💡 Tech Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Beyond audio, explore the evolution of visual media with early televisions and cameras, including the significant Iconoscope. The presence of early computers and the unique Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory adds further layers of historical intrigue. The working Titanic radio is a must-see, connecting technological history with significant world events. The knowledgeable guides are a huge asset, providing in-depth context and answering technical questions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Plan to spend a good chunk of time here (2-3 hours) to maximize your visit without feeling rushed. This ensures you get the most out of the extensive exhibits and the insightful commentary from the guides. Pack snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit, as food services are not available on-site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Guided Tour
These tours are particularly valuable for understanding the evolution of technology. From the intricate workings of early radios and gramophones to the foundational principles of early computers and television, the guides provide context that might otherwise be missed. They can explain complex concepts in an accessible way, making the museum enjoyable for both tech enthusiasts and casual visitors. The interactive elements, such as making radio contact with a battleship, are often facilitated during these tours, offering a memorable hands-on experience.
Given the depth of information and the engaging nature of the guides, it's strongly recommended to book a tour in advance. This ensures you get a spot with one of these expert guides and don't miss out on the most enriching aspect of the museum. The time spent with a guide is often cited as the reason visitors feel the museum 'exceeded expectations' and is 'definitely worth a visit.'
Beyond Radios: A Treasure Trove of Innovation
The museum also delves into other fascinating areas of innovation. Early computing devices are present, offering a glimpse into the dawn of the digital age. Perhaps most surprising are the historical educational toys, such as the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory, a testament to a different era of scientific curiosity and public engagement with potentially hazardous materials. The working replica of the radio used on the Titanic serves as a poignant reminder of the technology's critical role in historical events.
This diverse collection makes the Museum of Radio and Technology a unique destination. It's a place where you can trace the lineage of modern communication and entertainment, discover forgotten technologies, and marvel at the ingenuity of past generations. The 'grooviest museum' experience, as one reviewer put it, comes from these unexpected discoveries and the sheer density of historical marvels packed into the space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit