Temporary exhibition

#004 – J’♥️ mon SMAKY

Musée Bolo presents its 4th temporary exhibition: J’♥️ mon SMAKY

Under this title, the new exhibition goes far beyond SMAKY microcomputers. It spans a period from the late 1960s to today, with chapters highlighted by the specialized press. A special focus is placed on Marielle Stamm, a pioneer of computer journalism in Switzerland.

The exhibition opens with the early developments, from calculators to the first mice, created by the team at the LAMI (Laboratory of Microcomputing), led by Jean-Daniel Nicoud, professor at EPFL.

Over time, Logitech mice conquered the world and helped build the brand’s reputation. We present a selection of the most iconic Logitech models.

You will then discover one of the richest collections of SMAKY microcomputers, from the very first prototypes to the most recent models sold by Epsitec SA in the 1980s and 1990s. This is your chance to try out the SMAKY’s flagship software or explore the educational SMAKY used in schools, featuring playful learning activities created by teachers.

A section of the exhibition is dedicated to the electronic clubs of French-speaking Switzerland, which played a significant role in the development of computing in the region.

A fun and interactive space celebrates the video games of Daniel Roux, from his earliest creations to his latest release: BLUPI IS BACK.

The Nimmer by René Sommer, one of the earliest electronic games developed in Switzerland, is also featured.

And many more surprises await you!

This exhibition and the growing website smaky.ch complement each other to offer a lively and immersive journey through the SMAKY adventure.

For an even richer experience, feel free to register for one of our guided tours.

Book un guided tour

Acknowledgments

Jean-Daniel Nicoud – Honorary Professor at EPFL – Vaud pioneer of microcomputing and father of the SMAKY, for his unwavering support of the Musée Bolo and for providing his archives and new pieces that enrich the heritage of computing history in French-speaking Switzerland.

Marielle Stamm – Pioneer of computer journalism and novelist, for donating her archives, including a collection of invaluable journals, and above all, for her steadfast support of the Musée Bolo.

André Guignard – Micromechanics virtuoso, for his help, support, and for contributing several items to the exhibition.

Daniel Roux – Father of Blupi – Pioneer in video game design and pixel art in French-speaking Switzerland, for his help and support, and for providing access to his personal archives.

Pierre Arnaud – Director at EPSITEC SA / CRÉSUS – for making available the archives of Cathi Nicoud.

LOGITECH – For the loan of items and access to their historical archives.

Daniel Borel – Visionary and co-founder of Logitech, for the loan of the kinetic sculpture created by artist Charles Morgan.

Francesco Mondada – Director of the EPFL Center for Learning Sciences and the Mobile Robotic Systems Group (MOBOTS) within the School of Engineering, for the loan of robots from the EPFL Laboratory of Microcomputing (LAMI).