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Musée Mécanique: A Blast from the Past

4.7 (7243)

Step back in time at San Francisco's Musée Mécanique, a nostalgic arcade featuring antique mechanical games and musical marvels at Fisherman's Wharf.

The Musée Mécanique, located at Pier 45 in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, is an interactive museum featuring a vast collection of 20th-century mechanical games and artifacts. It offers a nostalgic journey through the history of arcades and amusement parks, with over 300 machines, many of which are still operational.

A brief summary to Musée Mécanique

  • 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

Local tips

  • Bring plenty of quarters to fully experience the interactive exhibits.
  • Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
  • Check out Laffing Sal, a nostalgic figure from San Francisco's Playland at the Beach.
  • Explore the back of the museum for more modern arcade games from the recent past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Fisherman's Wharf, walk west along Jefferson Street towards Pier 45. The Musée Mécanique is located in Shed A on Pier 45, a short walk from Pier 39. Look for the signs and the entrance to the pier. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the F-Line streetcar to the Jones Street & Jefferson Street stop. From there, walk east along Jefferson Street to Pier 45. The Musée Mécanique will be on your left in Shed A. A single ride on Muni costs $3.

  • Ferry

    Arrive at the Fisherman's Wharf Ferry Terminal (Pier 41) via the Blue & Gold Fleet from Sausalito, Oakland, or Vallejo. Walk west along Jefferson Street towards Pier 45. The Musée Mécanique is located in Shed A on Pier 45, a short walk from Pier 41. Ferry fares vary depending on the origin, ranging from $14-$18 from Vallejo.

  • Driving

    Driving to Pier 45 can be challenging due to limited parking. There is no on-site parking at Pier 45. Several parking garages are located within walking distance, such as the 2552 Taylor St Garage (4-minute walk, ~$12.50 for 2 hours) and the 590 Bay St Garage (4-minute walk, ~$20 for 2 hours). Be prepared to pay hourly rates ranging from $12 to $45, or more, depending on the garage and time of day. Consider booking a spot in advance using apps like SpotHero.

Discover more about Musée Mécanique

Step into a world of vintage entertainment at the Musée Mécanique, a unique and interactive museum located on Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. This for-profit museum houses one of the world's largest privately owned collections of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and arcade artifacts, with over 300 machines to explore. Founded by Edward Galland Zelinsky, who began collecting machines at the age of 11, the Musée Mécanique offers a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of arcades and amusement parks. The collection includes a wide array of mechanical marvels, from turn-of-the-century hand-cranked music boxes to vintage slot machines,Automated dioramas, and early video games. Many of the machines are still in their original working condition, inviting visitors to play and interact with them. Among the museum's highlights are Laffing Sal, a mechanical figure from the historic Playland at the Beach amusement park, and a large diorama of a traveling carnival with a Ferris wheel. The museum also boasts what is believed to be the only steam-powered motorcycle in the world, built in 1912. Whether you're a vintage lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun and unique experience, the Musée Mécanique offers something for everyone.
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