Pacific Pinball Museum

Museum · West End

Pacific Pinball Museum

Museum · West End

1510 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501

Highlights

Museum displaying rare & vintage pinball machines, which are also playable, amid colorful local art.

1510 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501 Get directions

pacificpinball.org

@pacificpinball

@atlasobscura

"Once called Bagatelle, pinball descended from billiards and other table games of the mid-1700s. But pinball was first patented in 1871 by Montague Redgrave who added the spring-loaded plunger to start the game. During the Depression, pinball popularity boomed. A coin-operated version sold for $17.50, so saloons and drugstores quickly made back their investment on this table-top game. However, because of its association with gambling, pinball machines were banned in many large American cities, like New York and Los Angeles, in the 1940s. By the mid-70s the laws were overturned when a pinball-defender proved that pinball was a game of skill, not a game of luck. The Pacific Pinball Museum offers over 90 “playable, historic pinball machines” with the signature lights, bells and whistles of the greatest models. Like most museums, the PPM owns a much larger collection - over 400 machines! - but only some are available for the public to see." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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dina n

Google

We loved the pinball museum! Your admission allows for unlimited play. We went on a weekday and it was great! I went with my mother and father-in-law, and my kids. We all loved it. It's well worth the price of admission, especially since you can exit and re-enter for the whole day. It was so interesting to see the evolution of the pinball machine design.

Alison M C

Google

Extremely cool place. I didn't pay, just came to read and learn about pinball history. Staff was welcoming. I liked all the different media for learning like signs, handouts, scavenger hunt, etc. I want to come back on a Tuesday for the 2x1 discount entry.

marco romo

Google

Fantastic fun spot. Went Saturday morning shortly after opening. Might as well as you pay for whole day. I recommend doing this to find decent parking. Also, you can go out and get lunch or ice cream then hit the arcade again. Although older technology the most fun machine was the upper deck baseball game. I was able to hit one home run!

JR FLORES

Google

I was eating across the street and noticed Pinball Museum sign. I'm always very curious, so I walked in and was blown away. More than what I imagined. Cashier explained everything in detail and broke down pricing and gave me a brief description and history of the pinball games history. Pricing is a great deal as it's unlimited play! Definitely would recommend to everyone. Very friendly staff Also the have several juke boxes free music choices as well.

A Cope

Google

Like the most amazing pinball experience. Machines from the 1930s to late 2020s with amazing history and unlimited play. Also the free juke boxes are an awesome touch. If you are 40 plus this is the place for you!

ben brockman

Google

What an amazing place! The games are rare and lovingly cared for. The staff are friendly and informative. It’s easy to spend many hours here (especially with the wristbands). This place is an asset to the pinball community.

Phoenix M

Google

This place is amazing and a real treasure! One entry fee for all-you-can-play pinball! The machines are in very good condition and each one features signage detailing the history and significance of the game. The non-profit Pacific Pinball Museum takes its mission seriously, educating the public about the art and sport of pinball. They also have awesome jukeboxes, free to play, with music from the decade matching each game room they are found in. Admission price is totally reasonable, they do offer a student/senior/teacher discount and I got my money's worth in the first hour of play! Personally I prefer to pay one price, then play for free, compared with paying for each game as I go. The city of Alameda is clean and safe, unlike neighboring Oakland, and there are places to eat nearby if you get hungry and take a break from playing pinball; the PPM gives you a wristband to leave and come back in on the same day. The staff is friendly and they obviously love what they do. I recommend setting aside several hours to enjoy all the various pinball tables and exhibits. They also have merch for sale. Admission is half price on Tuesdays. You cannot go wrong with the Pacific Pinball Museum because it is a TON of FUN!!!

Emma

Google

5 rooms filled a huge variety of pinball machines from all different decades! You can play almost all of them. It's $22 for all day play for adults and its SO WORTH IT! My husband and I had so much fun trying all of the different games. It's so cool and they are so well preserved.