What a GEM! We stumbled upon Musee Mecanique after visiting the U.S.S. Pampinito. Despite being Bay Area locals, we'd never been to either attraction. And Musee Mecanique was by far our favorite! The collection of (predominantly) antique and vintage arcade games is really impressive. Most cost 25 cents - 75 cents to play (meaning $5-$10 will take you pretty far here!) And they are each unique, quirky, and interesting. I'm looking forward to visiting again with my Dad and son...it's a great multigenerational activity. There are some newer games, too, if the vintage games don't catch your attention. Thanks for restoring, and sharing, this fun history with the masses. So special! read more

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Musée Mécanique ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun afternoons of our trip. We stopped in thinking we'd spend maybe 30 minutes looking around before moving on, and we couldn't have been more wrong. Between the vintage arcade games, mechanical exhibits, and wonderfully strange collections, we ended up staying for hours. The kids had an absolute blast. Air hockey was the clear favorite, but they also loved the boxing machines, basketball games, and trying out all the quirky old arcade attractions. As adults, we enjoyed exploring the history and craftsmanship behind so many of the antique machines. A fair warning: some of the exhibits are delightfully bizarre and a few are downright creepy--in the best possible way. That's part of what makes the place so memorable. Bring plenty of quarters, or at least cash so you can get quarters once you're there. If you're traveling with kids, I'd plan for at least a couple of hours. We thought we'd be in and out and instead found ourselves completely absorbed. This is one of those classic San Francisco attractions that appeals to both kids and adults and is absolutely worth a visit. read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

My daughter found this place on TikTok because of the photo booth and decided she wanted to visit for her 17th birthday. We came out and spent a couple of hours here, and it ended up being such a fun experience. She got her photo booth pictures, and we spent the rest of our time exploring the museum. There were so many cool vintage games and interesting exhibits to check out. It was fun to see all the old games. We had a great time together and made some wonderful birthday memories. I would definitely recommend visiting if you're looking for something unique and fun to do. It's also cheap which was pretty cool. Can't beat that. read more

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3 years going to musee mecanique ..my favorite now ..10 minutes and 5 dollars in quarters..old time ..like 1990 read more

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I was absolutely obsessed with this place I had to go twice during our trip in SF. As someone who loves strange and antique collectibles, this was amazing. I'm always fascinated by the time period from 1880s-1920s and the history of how people lived and were entertained back then--this is definitely the place to learn more about it and immerse yourself into history. This collection has over 200 working antique coin operated machines to play with (some even older than my grandparents). I had so much fun using them, taking tons of videos, and feeling like I stepped back in time. It's free to enter and most machines cost 25¢-50¢, but some still cost only 10¢. There's machines that will convert your bills to quarters. This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip! read more

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I've visited here 3 times at 3 different ages as a 13 year old, a 16 year old, and a 23 year old. Each time was such a fun experience that really brought out my inner child! Total gem with history, games, and Photo Booth. read more

I had never been here before but my family and I decided to come in because it was free admission. It is full of tons of games you can play and is a great spot to kill time. We didn't play games but used their ATM to get cash for the photo booth. The photo booth prints three photos that you tear away from each other. Would come again! read more

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Located right next to Fisherman's Wharf, this place is a gem for tourists and locals alike. My friend had always wanted to go after seeing it in The Princess Diaries (although the museum was located at Cliff House back then), and we took a long walk from the Ferry Building all the way down to Pier 45 to check it out. Vintage games were as cheap as a quarter where you can play an old pinball machine, have a mechanical fortune teller spell out your future, or just watch some cute little carnival scenes. It was quite busy on a Saturday afternoon, and I enjoyed the energy of kids and adults alike running around from machine to machine. Go check it out! read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's a flashback to the past! Very large museum with games and arcades from the past years. Some are spooky from way back in the days and some I recognized from childhood. Takes quarters. There is a change machine. I loved the photo booths as I created sweet memories with loved ones. They are $5 for set of three strips. read more

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I randomly wandered in here and I am so glad I did. They say curiosity killed the cat but for this cat, she found such a treasure tonight that delighted her and gave her more life and not death. I love when you find something unplanned and it wqs cool to stumble on this place. This is the mechanical museum and its the largest privately owned collection of arcade games, with over 300 games available spanning 2 to 3 hundred years! It was a peek into the past and truly mesmerizing to see all the different arcades available! I spent a good 45 min in here and enjoyed every minute of it. Its like part museum, part interactive arcade and most of the games work. I played one arcade called the Opium Den and it was pretty weird and I wandered about the machine and how the people depicted in them all tended to look of Asiatic origin. Was good to see this piece of history but definitely got me thinking. And of course I found my cocktail Ms Pac Man and could not resist but play a game and someone left 1 credit so I had a free game on the house! I really enjoyed this place and totally worth a visit when visiting SF. So glad I found this place totally by accident!! read more

Musee Mecanique - Opium Den arcade - weird and creepy AF - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place was hilarious! The fact that you can get so much joy out of a quarter is in immense. There were these little dancing guys that I just watched for a few minutes and I could not stop laughing. It's really nice to find these niche places where you can see these art and these games together in one place. read more

Musee Mecanique - Entrance - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

A Great experience on how people from before enjoying their daily lives. With no computer around .. The Simplest days to amuse you and play with your friends. One interesting thing too is that this arcade is still working. Try it with kids and let them enjoy how our forefathers enjoyed their past times read more

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It's seems like everyone likes to play games. You will see people playing each other. San Francisco is the city of games. Gamification has become the normal in SF. Whether it be online or social media and in IRL ( In Real Life) there is a game being played. Whether it's pickleball or Mario Kart games are being played .San Francisco are established champions at game with teams like the San Francisco , Giants , 49ers, and Warriors. Today there are lots political and corporation games are being played behind the scenes. There is a place in San Francisco which traces back the early DNA of games in San Francisco before any current San Francisco sports team played. One of places where games are being played in San Francisco often is in the tourist trap at Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 45 and it's called the Musée Mécanique. Walking inside the Musée Mécanique you feel like you step back in time. You will find vintage pinball machines and some classic video arcade games. On the walls there are pictures of Playland which once stood by the beach in San Francisco. It feels like a vintage game museum inside with lots of different types of games of the past. This is the place if you're a novice at video games or an arcade junkie. Some games here are archaic some are more electric "arcade" come to Musée Mécanique where games are being " played". Once you "arrive" you feel an arcade museum" vibe" it's the way I "describe" what's inside the Musée Mécanique at "Pier 45" Come to and play an video game of the past at an arcade game "station" see how games advanced over the years through technological"innovation" with different elements of "gamification"and play a game for a fun and vibrate "occasion" read more

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I consider this place a must. A free arcade where many of the attractions are only a quarter (bring a 5 or 10 dollar bill, and you will be busy for an hour). Amazing. There are antiques, vintage machines, and good old air hockey (for only 4 quarters!) It gives a peek into how people entertained themselves 100+ years ago. The machines are lovingly maintained. My favorites are the Wurlitzer player pianos. read more

Musee Mecanique - If two adolescents can get this excited about an antique, then it must be good. Quarter well-spent. - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a blast to the past!! Very nostalgic. I wish I was birn during the era or times when some of these older machines and games were created. Taking you back to quarter days!! You can play and have your fortune read, and with massages, listening to music for just quarters!!! Things you can do now in arcades. Please don't ever shut down!! Love it! read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Amazing! Best entertainment with smiling children from ear to ear! Most things are only still a quarter! Keep this place alive! The city needs to save and subsidize this treasure. read more

I looove anything vintage or antique so I had to go and see for myself....this talked-about Musee Mecanique (in English "Mechanical Museum"). When walked inside, the place was massive. I was like, "Where should I start?". I decided to visit each section at a time...I couldn't miss a thing. I really enjoyed playing the arcade games and discovering how the vintage machines work. My inner child was overjoyed! I wanted to spend the whole day there. Definitely a must-see for the Yelp Community!! This interactive museum was suuuper duuuper coool and it's FREE too :-) read more

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It's a free experience that allows you to experience a part of life that was decades ago. So many games and experiences that transports you back into time, why not take a visit? Then, when you want to take a break, step outside onto the deck and enjoy the salty air. There are also games that are a bit more "modern", but nothing here will you find that you would consider "new". read more

Musee Mecanique - Look at the disclaimer. - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is fantastic. I have always had an interest in coin-operated machines and own a number of antique ones myself. They have a great selection spanning literally more than a century. My daughter does not have quite as much interest in coin ops; however, she loved it as well. Imagine a museum where you get to touch and play with essentially everything. I spent less than $10 there and had a blast. I highly recommend this place and want to visit again someday. read more

Musee Mecanique - The welcome sign - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Musee Mecanique is a gem of a mechanical toy museum. Yes, it's old timey, but it has a certain charm. It also has newer video game machines here. I think all the machines have a place for different folks and it's great for a little fun yet won't break your piggy bank in this very touristy part of town. Fun for the entire family. My favorite is the musical machine that showcase an old-time country fair with Ferris wheel. Located on Pier 45. read more

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Musee is such a fun place. I'm bummed this is my very first visit and MM has been here for so many decades! I don't recommend coming here during warm weather because there's no air conditioning or any kind of breeze coming through this large warehouse. climate aside, there are so many vintage arcade games here. I really didn't know what to expect when I arrived and MM exceeded my expectations. Younger children will likely be bored here, but there are some older electronic arcade games. The mechanical 'games' that we tried were crazy themed. I know it fit the times back then, but crazy to see them here. The only semi-controversial one I showed here was the Opium Den. That one didn't have as much 'action' as the two guillotine games and there is one of a hanging - YIKES. Anyhow, the machines are all definitely novel and I would bring my friends here to check out the sights. Don't forget to bring cash/coins. Some of these only play for about 5ish seconds and some seem to play on forever, but hey, there's no admission fee! read more

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I have lived in SF! Been back many, many times yet had no clue this place even existed! It was a blast! Completely free to enter, it's a room full of vintage gaming machines that are super cheap to play! We grabbed our dollars, turned them into quarters in their cash exchange machines and had a blast! Some weird macabre games like 'Watch a hanging' to pinball, sleet ball and more ! Super cheap , super fun and loved to see people of all ages enjoying some good vintage fun!! read more

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Well, if you get bored with the touristy shops at Fisherman's Wharf, walk a few blocks over to Pier 48 to check out "Musee Mecanique". There's no entrance fee, so it's fun to go in and check out lots of really old arcade artifacts and then some much more recent pinball games. They have plenty of change machines to get quarters to play all the amusements. Fun to check out some of the old machines from early 1900's where they must have been easily amused, but I spent most of my quarters on the fun pinball games (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harry Potter, and Pirates of the Caribbean). I didn't see anywhere to buy any drinks or food but it's worth a half hour of your time. read more

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Brought some friends over during our visit to SF. We enjoyed the large variety of arcade games and machines there. Only downside is that some machines required dimes and you could only get your money changed with the onsite staff however there were no staff available when we were there. read more

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This place is such a blast, especially if you're into old-school mechanical arcade games and coin-operated machines from decades past. It feels like walking into a living history of entertainment where everything still works and invites you to play. The prices are refreshingly low. Most machines only cost one or two quarters, which really adds to the throwback vibe. They have change machines that give you actual quarters, not tokens, which is nice. Musee Mecanique is located right on Pier 45, tucked behind the Boudin building near the abandoned seafood restaurants. There is a big paid parking lot right out front, making it convenient even on busy weekends. Inside, you'll find everything from early 1900s coin-operated novelties and fortune tellers to classic video games from the 80s and 90s. It is part museum, part arcade, and part time capsule. I love how it is both fun and a little educational. You can see how entertainment evolved over the years just by wandering through the rows of machines. While I hoped for more multiplayer retro games like the X-Men arcade in the back corner, I was thrilled to find Time Crisis 2 still going strong (only 1 of 2 so solo play only). That game completely drained my allowance growing up and I found myself hogging the machine again for that full nostalgic rush. Whether you are visiting with family, on a date, or exploring solo, this spot delivers. It is quirky, packed with personality, and one of the few places where people of all ages can genuinely enjoy themselves without spending a lot. Oh yeah, no food or drinks allowed inside! read more

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This is probably the best-kept secret on the Embarcadero. It's completely free to go inside (you pay for games/entertainment with quarters). There are so many weird displays and vintage games here (along with some classic video games). Every time I come to San Francisco, I have to pay this place a visit. read more

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One unique arcade museum, Located at Fisherman's Wharf, this free-admission museum houses over 300 antique, coin-operated machines, including rare musical instruments, dioramas, and early arcade games. A worthwhile visit for all ages, arcade game fan or not. read more

This place is a treasure trove of old games and mechanical entertainment. It goes from early machines to 70's and 80's it's great! If you know much about this place, it was formerly out at Ocean Beach under the Cliff House, but this has been it's home for quite some time. It's better in this location. I always stop here when visiting the Wharf area. It's just plain fun. read more

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This place is a true gem. The collection of mechanical wonders that are aww inspiring.

A great ending spot after walking around Fisherman's Wharf, they have something for everyone to do and enjoy!

So this museum used to be located at the cliff house. Those of us local/older ppl will always think of it as being there. This move to the wharf took place hella years ago, and I'm surprised that I actually do love it at this location. I don't like changes lol, but parking is much easier for our out of town fam and friends and it feels so much more roomy etc. I think it managed to keep all of the charm it has at its OG location. Def worth a visit- free and super unique. A cheap and fun date or family experience. Very clean as well. read more

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A whimsical and strange, sometimes macabre museum Definitely play the Wurlitzer! My favorite "games" were the miniature dioramas with moving parts. The only downside was one of the machines (it was a claw-type one) was broken and ringing the doorbell for help/maintenance did nothing. read more

This place was awesome to stumble across at the pier. A super cool collection that is still cheap enough to actually play. And they stay open pretty late. The employee we met clearly loves his job and collecting and told us fun stories about the history of some of the pieces. Definitely recommend stopping by! They have plenty of machines to exchange dollars for coins to play. read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came here with my mom recently as we were in the area, as its been a VERY long time since I've step foot in this establishment. For a while I've seen this place be a top place in SF articles for a date night or something chill to do in this area given all the tourist trap prices and crowds. Admission is free, which makes this a budget friendly thing to do in the city. It's a warehouse-like place to walk around and observe all the old machines and attractions. As far as I know, the majority of things work when you put in a few quarters and can watch a little show, get a fortune telling, light something up, or have a giant clown laugh at you (i.e. the big Laughing Sally which was my mom's favorite and took her down a trip through memory lane. Apparently it used to be housed at the old Playland amusement park down by the beach). It's amazing that whoever maintains the little fun novelties here still has them going after who knows how many years. It's definitely a unique experience if you haven't been before. I wouldn't recommend driving -- take public transit instead! read more

A great blast from the past huge area that has soooo many cool items. Be sure to bring cash, a ton of old school quarter games from as far back to the day when these types of games began. read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

It had been two decades or more since I had been to this, one of my favorite San Francisco attractions. Back then, it was at the Cliff House and was much smaller. Now, it is an amusement center spanning a couple of centuries, the likes of which I imagine may not be findable elsewhere. Even if you only have a day or two in San Francisco, don't miss this place. read more

What a trip to memory lane. This place bring memories but also learning that this is how it started of the games that we have in today era. Many of them are well maintained and continued to operate. Definitely a hidden historical gem tuck away in the tourist streets of San Francisco piers. read more

It is with a heavy heart that I make the decision to give what should be an incredible place only 3 stars. Maybe I should give it even less, but I try to review arcades holistically. As a whole this place is great. It offers an incredible look at arcade and amusement machine history from the late 1800s to today. There's so much to take in that you're bound to notice something new on return visits. Before my latest visit, the first in over a year, I was prepared for my only big criticism to be wishing they at least put the years on or next to the machines so you could tell how old everything really is and the chronology. Unfortunately upon my return I noticed a much bigger problem. Within the past year they have obtained a $9,999 Harry Potter pinball machine released in 2025. Of all the games this recent they could have chosen from, they had to pick a licensed game for a franchise that cannot and should not be divorced from truly significant real world hate and harm. Hopefully the owner/s are just naive. The person who appears to be in charge is an old man and son of the man who started this collection in 1933. Hopefully he is just woefully out of the loop on how truly dangerous this franchise now is. But even then, this is quite alarming. As I type this I wonder if it is even right to award 3 stars given what a truly bad decision this was. Whether this place is worth visiting depends on how easily you can just ignore that they have this game. Otherwise I really like what they're doing here and feel very conflicted. I just can't bring myself to fully dismiss this place given how amazing it otherwise is. read more

This is my wife's favorite place in SF. Yes, really. We don't make it to San Francisco as often as we used to, but this was the #1 thing she wanted to see on our recent trip. Plenty of really old and slightly old games and coin-op machines to keep the family busy for a while. Plus, it is steps away from the Boudin Bakery for lunch afterwards. Win, win. read more

Musee Mecanique - Coin-Op Machine - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

A must visit when visiting Fisherman's Wharf. There is a mix of old and new arcade games. Most games are .25 to .50 but others a bit more. Want to measure your sex appeal lol, there's a game for that! There are a number of musical pieces throughout the arcade. It was so fun to play them all simultaneously, it became quite lively with all the music. read more