It’s a scene of quiet, unassuming wealth: two stories, clean exterior, American flag. Wicker chairs with big green cushions sit empty on a large, sheltered porch.

But this house is one of Silicon Valley’s premier tourist destinations. It’s the one-time home of Bill Hewlett and David Packard, Stanford engineers turned businessmen who turned their 1939 startup into one of the world’s largest companies, and the house’s humble garage into a National Historic Place.

Unlike the Golden Gate Bridge or the cable car, “the birthplace of Silicon Valley” is privately owned and frustratingly closed off. HP owns the property, but usually just uses it as a backdrop for corporate videos and events to boost employee morale. It’s not really a museum, but it is still a carefully crafted tourist attraction.

“While the HP garage is not open for public tours, visitors may view and photograph the property and landmark from the sidewalk,” warns San Jose’s tourism bureau.


Read more: https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/hewlett-packard-inside-garage-palo-alto-18431164.php