The Birth of Wikipedia

Sale Overview

Christie’s is pleased to offer two lots associated with the birth of Wikipedia. The first is a physical artifact: Jimmy Wales’s home computer—a strawberry iMac he used during the launch and development of Wikipedia during the site’s infancy. It was the computer on which he researched and partly developed the online encyclopedia, as well as the unit he employed to monitor the site for vandals late at night or simply watch in amazement as the project rapidly took on a life of its own. The second is virtual: an NFT of the first edit to Wikipedia made by Wales on 15 January 2001—and features a dynamic component that allows the purchaser to edit and recreate the experience of developing the site from scratch. Reading simply, “Hello, World!”, this first edit captures the “big bang” moment for Wikipedia—the moment of creation for what is now the largest repository of human knowledge ever assembled.

Viewing is by appointment only from 3 – 15 December. Click here to make a reservation.

VIEWING TIMES

Open to the public, by appointment

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm

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+1 212 636 2000 info@christies.com

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