Musée Mécanique, Oakland Travel Guide

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Experience a nostalgic journey through arcade history at San Francisco's Musée Mécanique, featuring 300+ vintage coin-operated games and musical machines.

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Musée Mécanique

The Musée Mécanique, located at Pier 45 in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, is a captivating interactive museum featuring a vast collection of over 300 coin-operated mechanical games and artifacts from the 20th century. It offers a unique opportunity to experience vintage arcade entertainment.

A brief summary to Musée Mécanique

Pier 45, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, CA, 94133, US
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Monday 10 am-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Friday 10 am-8 pm
Saturday 10 am-8 pm
Sunday 10 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Musée Mécanique.

Bring quarters! While admission is free, the games and machines are coin-operated, typically costing between $0.25 and $1.
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Take public transportation or rideshare, as parking near Pier 45 can be limited and expensive.
Explore Fisherman's Wharf before or after your visit to Musée Mécanique to make the most of your trip.

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Explore Musée Mécanique on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Musée Mécanique, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown San Francisco, take the F Market streetcar to Fisherman's Wharf. The streetcar stops near Pier 45. A single ride costs $3. Alternatively, several bus lines, including the 8, 30, 39, and 49, serve the area. Check the MuniMobile app for real-time schedules and fare payment options.
Walking

If you are already in Fisherman's Wharf, Musée Mécanique is easily accessible by foot. From Pier 39, walk west along the Embarcadero towards Pier 45. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and offers scenic views of the waterfront.
Taxi/Rideshare

Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in San Francisco. Request a ride to Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf. A short trip from downtown San Francisco will typically cost between $15 and $20.
Parking

Parking near Pier 45 is limited. There is a parking garage at Pier 45 Shed A, with rates of $3 for 15 minutes and a daily maximum of $45. Alternative parking options can be found at nearby garages, such as 2552 Taylor St Garage ($12.50 for 2 hours) or 590 Bay St Garage ($20 for 2 hours). Consider using parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a spot in advance.

Discover more about Musée Mécanique

Step back in time at the Musée Mécanique, one of the world's largest privately-owned collections of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade artifacts. Located at Pier 45 in San Francisco's bustling Fisherman's Wharf, this interactive museum offers a nostalgic journey through the history of entertainment.Founded by Edward Galland Zelinsky, who began collecting at the age of 11, the Musée Mécanique boasts over 300 machines, each meticulously maintained in their original working condition. Visitors can play a wide array of games, from turn-of-the-century hand-cranked music boxes to classic pinball machines and early video games. The collection includes rare and unique items such as a steam-powered motorcycle built in 1912 and the iconic "Laffing Sal".The Musée Mécanique provides a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the amusements of past generations. It's a place where you can show your children or grandchildren what you did for fun before home video games and television. The museum is open 365 days a year, offering free admission and a chance to relive the simple joys of vintage arcade games.