Vintage Lasers and Holograms is a free technology exhibit at 5020 S Ash Ave #102, Tempe, Arizona 85283, in the south Tempe commercial district near Baseline Road. Its collection follows laser technology from its experimental beginnings in 1960 into practical instruments and three-dimensional imagery. Visitors come for more than 180 lasers, early holograms, and a working holography laboratory—a concentrated look at the equipment behind technologies now used in medicine, manufacturing, and optical communications.
What to Expect at Vintage Lasers and Holograms
The centerpiece is a Raytheon LH1 prototype, built just four months after Hughes announced the first working laser in 1960. Many instruments have their covers removed, exposing components normally concealed inside laboratory equipment. Elaborate glass plasma tubes, early construction lasers, and laser pointers dating to the 1970s make the collection especially rewarding for anyone interested in how scientific prototypes became everyday tools. This is an equipment-focused exhibit in a commercial suite, not a large science center with themed galleries.
The holography collection includes roughly two dozen early examples, among them the first published hologram, issued in the 1967 World Book Science Year. Look for educational-kit samples, life-sized portraits produced with pulsed lasers, and animated holograms related to the imagery seen in Logan’s Run. The exhibit’s specialist, Robert A. “Bob” Hess, has worked with lasers and made holograms since 1980. His career spans pictorial holography and holographic optical elements: recorded structures that perform optical functions associated with lenses and prisms.
- Raytheon LH1 prototype: An exceptionally early example connected to the first commercial laser.
- Exposed laser mechanisms: Removed covers reveal the internal construction of numerous historic instruments.
- Glass plasma tubes: Intricate glasswork shows the physical complexity of early gas-laser technology.
- Early published holography: The 1967 World Book example connects laboratory innovation with public science education.
- Working holography laboratory: A contemporary counterpart to the historic collection; arrange any demonstration questions ahead of your visit.
Vintage Lasers and Holograms at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 5020 S Ash Ave #102, Tempe, AZ 85283 |
| Neighborhood / Area | South Tempe, near Baseline Road and Mill Avenue |
| Operating Hours | Monday and Thursday–Sunday, noon–6 p.m.; Tuesday–Wednesday closed. Confirm before traveling. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free admission; $ price tier |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Valley Metro Route 77 along Baseline Road; Route 66 along Mill Avenue. Confirm designated parking for suite #102. |
| Official Website & Phone | Vintage Lasers and Holograms; +1 480-239-0436 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Call ahead or use the appointment information on the official website, particularly for groups or a technically detailed visit. Arriving near noon leaves ample time before the listed closing hour. Start with the earliest lasers, then compare later instruments before moving to holograms; changing your viewing angle is part of understanding their dimensional imagery. Ask before photographing, touching equipment, or entering laboratory work areas. Keep large bags compact rather than counting on a cloakroom.
For public transport, check Valley Metro for Route 77 stops on Baseline Road or Route 66 on Mill Avenue, followed by a walk to Ash Avenue. Drivers should confirm which spaces belong to suite #102. Before visiting with a wheelchair or stroller, ask specifically about step-free entry, doorway clearance, circulation space, seating, and an accessible restroom. Pair the exhibit with the northern edge of Kiwanis Park, roughly a 10–15-minute walk east, or a meal around Baseline Road and Mill Avenue, about 5–10 minutes away. Carry water for these exposed walks, especially in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best arrival time?
Listed hours are noon–6 p.m. Monday and Thursday through Sunday, with Tuesday and Wednesday closed. Confirm your visit directly; arriving around opening gives you the longest window for exploring and asking questions.
Is admission free, and should I reserve?
The exhibit is free. Contact the venue about an appointment, especially when bringing a group or hoping to discuss holography with a specialist.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 45 to 90 minutes for the lasers and holograms. Visitors interested in optical engineering may want longer for examining exposed components and discussing their operation.
Is the exhibit suitable for children?
School-age children interested in science can enjoy the dimensional images and unusual instruments. Treat it as a supervised collection rather than a hands-on playground, and arrange any mobility accommodations directly before arrival.
When planning your Tempe travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Tempe, pair this stop with standout local spots including Vīb Hotel by Best Western Phoenix-Tempe, Tempe Beach Park, Postino Annex, and Tempe History Museum (2.0 km away).
