Musee Mecanique - San Francisco - The History
The Musee Mecanique is a privately-owned collection of arcade artifacts. Some pieces of the collection (more than 200 items) come from Playland at the Beach -- a slice of San Francisco history that closed in 1972. Other items come from around the world, collected by Edward Zelinsky.
In an essay at the museum's website, Zelinsky recalls his first purchase of a penny skill game, a purchase that grew into his present, eclectic collection.
The Musee Arcade and Collection
Walking into the Musee Mecanique is a nostalgic trip for those old enough to remember some of the arcade games . . . and a vivid, visual history for those raised on computers. It's an entertaining way to introduce kids to the old world of analog entertainment. It's also an active place with a buzz of healthy noise and arcade audio.
The fortune-telling machines evoke the carnival scenes in the Tom Hanks film Big, foreboding as some of them are. A highlight of the museum for any history or motorcycle buff is the glass-encased, rare steam-powered motorcycle. Few remain, and one such motorcycle (different builder) is housed at the Smithsonian.
Enjoying the Musee Mecanique
Strolling through the museum is free, and there's plenty to do without dropping any coins in a slot. In addition to the mechanical displays, there are large poster exhibits, describing various aspects of San Francisco history. The story of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exhibition is one such display.
Location
Pier 45 Shed A (at the end of Taylor Street)
See: San Francisco Museum Map
San Francisco, CA 94133
Telephone: (415) 346-2000
Musee Mecanique Website
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Admission is FREE
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