General

SL Historical Museum

Learn about the origins of Second Life and see displays of historical artifacts, images, and notecards that have been instrumental in shaping SL. Wear a free, fully-customizable avatar of our Primitar "ancestors" and relive magic from the early days.

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General

Categories:

Second Life Origins

Museums

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Second Life Origins

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Beta Contributor Wall

Second Life continues to grow thanks to its Residents, and this monument recognizes the early "beta pioneers" who helped make the baby steps possible and pushed SL into the public eye (in hand — get it?). Head north to find a public sandbox that's still used to create content, and farther north to check out what an old Welcome Area used to look like.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

The Man

"The Man" statue is one of the only surviving objects from the original "Linden Town" area that was developed in Second Life during the earliest Alpha stage of its development back in 2002. At times, The Man has served as a shrine where miscellaneous offerings were left, and a celebration of the creativity SL was founded upon.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

The Far Away

A blast from the past! Featured in The New York Times! The Far Away is an interactive 3D art installation in Second Life. First built in 2007 by AM Radio, now curated by Ziki Questi and Kinnaird Resident.

Editors' Pick

Strange & Mysterious

Temple of Iris

Explore the secrets of Second Life at the mystical Moth Temple of Iris.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Svarga

Climb on top of a giant wasp and take a guided tour of this tropical island, which first opened in 2006. Explore the library inside the central tower, relax near the spring fountain, or start an impromptu jam session with some peculiar elven instruments inside the playhouse.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Stillman Giant Bears

These cuddly behemoths have welcomed travelers from all walks of Second Life to old Stillman, whether they were flying as avatars or arriving via zeppelin tours. Behind the bears, you can tour the legendary Ivory Tower of Primitives, where many generations of Residents have learned to build, and the freebie Bazaar and The Man statue are also worth sightseeing.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

SS Galaxy

Established in 2007, SS Galaxy, also known as the Queen of the Sagittarian Sea, is an enormous, full-featured cruise ship that spans three regions and offers an array of activities, just like a real world cruise!

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Pooley Stage

Some of the earliest meetings between Second Life residents and the Linden Lab development teams were held at Pooley Stage.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Pooley Foot

Once a remote site where applicants for the first Linden Liaison team were interviewed, curious events caused the island to transform into a rather big foot. This isn't the only cultural spot in the area: head north to see what an early Orientation Island looked like, and eastward are stages that were used for early town hall chats.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Old Orientation Stations at Dore

How did early Second Life Residents learn the basics? These Japanese-styled orientation stations are an essentially unchanged replica of lessons from 2003, so the information is outdated, but the nostalgia lives on.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Mont Saint Michel

Visit an in-world recreation of the beautiful French landmark, Mont Saint Michel.

Editors' Pick

Spirituality & Belief

Mocha Cathedral

One of the first examples of detailed texturing dating back to the cusp of 2004, this cathedral proved hugely influential to successive generations of Second Life creators focused on realistic "brick and mortar" builds. Residents still use the prayer candles in memory of loved ones today.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Meauxle Bureaux

Meauxle Bureaux is the home of the Linden Department of Public Works, a program focused on improvements related to the experience of living in and visiting the Linden Mainland. This intricate build was lovingly crafted by resident experts for all to enjoy, so come see the ultimate in shared creative spaces!

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Maps of Second Life

The exhibit Maps of Second Life curated by Professor Juliana Lethdetter, shows information and art on virtual cartography in Second Life.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Lost Gardens of Apollo

Established in 2005, the Lost Gardens of Apollo is a relaxing and romantic spot with beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and secluded places to snuggle.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Japan Tempura Island

Established in 2008, Tempura Island has been a popular destination for socializing, romance, and healing. Explore the forest, dance in the ballroom, wander through the temple and meditate amidst the Japanese motif.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Ivory Tower Library of Primitives

This self-guided, self-paced, comprehensive building tutorial also includes a weapons testing area and safe sandboxes where you can try out your newly-acquired skills.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Governor Linden's Mansion

Home to the mythical Governor who's as elusive as Bigfoot, this Second Life heritage home hasn't changed much since its inception in 2002. It remains one of the few preserved examples of what inworld architecture was like back in the day. Come visit and find out how early pioneers survived before sculpted prims, then stroll to the basement for a time capsule of vintage goods.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Da Boom

Visit Da Boom, the very first region in Second Life, founded in 2002. It's named after the real-life "De Boom" street in San Francisco, and Residents have speculated it's also a reference to the "Big Bang" of our virtual world's conception.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Climbable Beanstalk

One of the oldest objects in SL is a beanstalk, created by Steller Sunshine in 2003. An influential model of organic shapes in a whimsical style, Steller used to hold contests challenging Residents to jump from leaf to leaf — can you make it to the top?

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Chouchou

Since 2008, Japanese music group Chouchou has brought their creativity to Second Life in several photogenic and atmospheric regions, including "Memento Mori," "Islamey" and "The Babel."

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Builder's Brewery

Established in 2008, Builder's Brewery is one of Second Life's oldest destinations for learning. Visit and take a free training class and learn all about building, textures, scripting, mesh, animations, and more. Join their 3x award-winning group, and there is even a Sandbox for builders. Check their website for their schedule of educational events. More info at buildersbrewery.com

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Boardman Themed Community

Before Linden Homes, there was Boardman, an early experiment of a themed community in a gentle suburban style. Don't be surprised that the zoning guidelines date back to January 2003, and should you run across any of the locals, they're mighty friendly, so ask if they'll share their stories.

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Bay City History Pavilion

Want to learn more about the Mainland community of Bay City? Get in deep and visit this display covering the city's history and featuring artifacts and images spanning it's existence from 2008 to today!

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Baffin Island

This island has seen many significant events, from its time as a welcoming spot for teen Residents "graduating" to adulthood to the hills used in Linden Lab ad promos for the then-new WindLight graphics. An abandoned library-turned-coffee shop is at the heart of it all, reminding us of how virtual connections can transform into real-life friendships.

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Editors' Pick

Education

Strandhavet Viking Museum

Strandhavet Viking Museum is located in Second Norway and is dedicated to the myth, magic, and memory of the Vikings and the Norse People.

Editors' Pick

Museum of the Maya and Inca Civilizations

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Museum of the Maya and Inca Civilizations

Take a self-guided tour of the Maya and Inca civilizations! Explore Maya astronomy, math, writing, architecture, and fashion, and be amazed at the vastness of the Inca empire at its peak. Everything is shown in English and Spanish. - ¡Haz un recorrido autoguiado por las civilizaciones maya e inca! Explore la astronomía maya, las matemáticas, la escritura, la arquitectura y la moda, y sorpréndase con la inmensidad del imperio inca en su apogeo. Todo se muestra en inglés y español.

Editors' Pick

Pick a Destination Category...

Museum of Tournament

A Gothic museum awaits your discovery within a snowy landscape, its chiseled walls of marble and granite set against the stark white of winter. Welcome to the first ever exhibition celebrating “A Decade of Jousting in SL” and its formative years between 2008 and 2018.

Editors' Pick

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Smithsonian Latino Museum

Explore the Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum's world-class collections through video, audio and slide presentations.

Editors' Pick

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First World War Poetry Digital Archive

Explore archived materials from the major poets of World War I, such as Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. Manuscripts, letters, and diaries are supplemented with streaming video and audio to provide an incredible insight into life in the trenches during 1914-1918.

Editors' Pick

Education

Museum of Computing History

The Museum of Computing History in Blackslough, next to the Sea of Fables, is a creative and educational space to learn about the history of computing. They currently have a number of exhibits including Pre-PC Early Computers, Personal Computers, Telecommunications, Artificial Intelligence, Gaming, Influential People, Security, Data Centers, and Interactive Fiction.

Editors' Pick

LGBTQ History Museum and Cultural Center

LGBTQ+ Friendly

LGBTQ History Museum and Cultural Center

The LGBTQ History Museum and Cultural Center in Dalton across from the historic Linden Village is a creative and educational space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history and culture. Exhibits include LGBT Activism, Influential People, and HIV/AIDS education.

Editors' Pick

Science & Technology

Vintage Computer Museum

The Vintage Computer Museum is a tribute to the early days of home computing. Take a trip down memory lane remembering computers from the 1980s onwards, including the IBM PC, Apple Macintosh, BBC Micro or Commodore 64.

Editors' Pick

Art

The Vordun Museum and Gallery

The Vordun Museum and Gallery is an art and history experience like no other in Second Life! Browse the many galleries and exhibits, then enjoy a coffee in the Common Grounds cafe.

Editors' Pick

Social Awareness

The Peale

The Peale in Baltimore, which is housed in the first purpose-built museum building in the United States, has extended its reach into the virtual world known as Second Life. While the current pandemic may prevent many people from visiting the Peale in person, this ambitious new project allows virtual visitors to explore the 1814 museum building online and attend curated exhibits and interactive events safely from the comfort of their homes. For more information, visit: thepealecenter.org

Editors' Pick

Underwater

The Jules Verne Museum

Visitors can take an extraordinary underwater voyage here. With a full-size submarine to explore, this museum offers insight into the life and work of French science fiction writer Jules Verne.

Editors' Pick

Art

The Aho Museum

Located on the Northwestern Michigan College campus, this gallery features regularly rotating exhibits from a variety of artists. Outside is an intriguing selection of sculpture, and the adjoining Ars Simulacra island plays host to the work of many creative NMC artists in SL.

Editors' Pick

Education

Museum Island

Museum Island is a historical region and gives many opportunities in art, education, socializing. Wonderful replicas of monuments, theater, digital art, and schools.

Editors' Pick

Social Awareness

MEROE Museum - Home of Black culture

MEROE Museum is the Home of Black and Aboriginal cultures in Second Life. The Museum's purpose is to provide a safe space for the repository of black culture from across the diaspora, and a place for dialog in an effort to resolve many of the conflicts that plague our communities. More info at: meroemuseum.com

Editors' Pick

Science & Technology

International Spaceflight Museum

The International Spaceflight Museum hosts a series of exhibits and events about real-world space travel. Ride a rocket into space and explore the planets! Rockets and spacecraft from the past, present and future.

Editors' Pick

Social Awareness

Holocaust Memorial Museum

"Witnessing History: Kristallnacht, the 1938 Pogroms" is an unforgettable virtual exhibit created by the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Editors' Pick

Social Awareness

Eatonville Living History Museum

Welcome to Eatonville, a living, interactive museum paying homage to the strength and beauty of the African-American diaspora through an examination of popular Black Literature. Walk around the town and turn your sounds on to feel lived experiences of African-Americans through the times, through an exploration of culturally-affirming Black literature.

Editors' Pick

Social Awareness

Droppin' Science Museum

Droppin' Science Museum, the Virtual Study Center for Social Justice, will host inspirational events and special events. The goal of the Droppin' Science Museum is to share information about Africana culture and history.

Editors' Pick

Real Life

Armstrong Park

Armstrong Park is a public park and museum honoring the late great Louis Armstrong as well as an ode to New Orleans' real-life public park. Armstrong Park features a virtual tour highlighting the life of Louis Armstrong and his music. Look for the iconic, arched entrance!

Editors' Pick

Underwater

Abyss Observatory

A museum of ocean science and technology which celebrates the sense of wonder people often have about the mysteries of the deep sea. Visitors can even travel 2,000 meters down into the dark depths of the ocean floor.

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Destinations

SL Historical Museum

Other Destinations in

Second Life Origins

Beta Contributor Wall

The Man

The Far Away

Temple of Iris

Svarga

Stillman Giant Bears

SS Galaxy

Pooley Stage

Pooley Foot

Old Orientation Stations at Dore

Mont Saint Michel

Mocha Cathedral

Meauxle Bureaux

Maps of Second Life

Lost Gardens of Apollo

Japan Tempura Island

Ivory Tower Library of Primitives

Governor Linden's Mansion

Da Boom

Climbable Beanstalk

Chouchou

Builder's Brewery

Boardman Themed Community

Bay City History Pavilion

Baffin Island

More Related Destinations

Strandhavet Viking Museum

Museum of the Maya and Inca Civilizations

Museum of Tournament

Smithsonian Latino Museum

First World War Poetry Digital Archive

Museum of Computing History

LGBTQ History Museum and Cultural Center

Vintage Computer Museum

The Vordun Museum and Gallery

The Peale

The Jules Verne Museum

The Aho Museum

Museum Island

MEROE Museum - Home of Black culture

International Spaceflight Museum

Holocaust Memorial Museum

Eatonville Living History Museum

Droppin' Science Museum

Armstrong Park

Abyss Observatory

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SL Historical Museum