Commemorating Alan Turing at London’s Science Museum

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Commemorating Alan Turing at London’s Science Museum

As Steven Pinker, the Harvard professor and popular science author, recently wrote:

“It would be an exaggeration to say that the British mathematician Alan Turing explained the nature of logical and mathematical reasoning, invented the digital computer, solved the mind-body problem, and saved Western civilization. But it would not be much of an exaggeration”. 

For proof, look no further than the stunning new exhibition “Codebreaker - Alan Turing’s Life and Legacy” which opens to the public today at London’s Science Museum. This tells the story of Turing’s vast achievements in a profoundly moving way, through an amazing collection of artifacts -- including items never before on display.



Photos from last night’s gala opening 

This exhibition is especially close to our hearts at Google, since not only is Turing a founding father of computing, in a way he is also the father of our collaboration with the Science Museum.

A few years ago one of Google’s senior engineers heard there was an idea to stage an exhibition about Turing. He got in touch and volunteered to help; and from that small seed, Google’s association with the Science Museum has now blossomed into a fully-fledged partnership.

In this, the centenary of Turing’s birth, we’re proud to sponsor such a fitting tribute to one of computing’s true heroes. The exhibition will be open until the end of June 2013, and entry is free, so do visit if you can.