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Musée Mécanique: A Nostalgic Journey Through Mechanical Entertainment

Experience a nostalgic journey through entertainment history at San Francisco's Musée Mécanique, featuring 300+ playable vintage arcade games & artifacts.

★★★★★4.7 (7243)

The Musée Mécanique, located on Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, is a captivating interactive museum featuring a vast collection of 20th-century penny arcade games and mechanical artifacts. With over 300 machines, many still playable, it offers a unique glimpse into the history of mechanical entertainment.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Musée Mécanique

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Pier 45, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, CA, 94133, US
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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Bring quarters to fully enjoy the interactive experience and play the various vintage arcade games and mechanical instruments.
Visit during weekday mornings to avoid the larger crowds that gather on weekends and afternoons.
Take care when operating the machines, as many are delicate and vintage.

Discover more about Musée Mécanique

Step back in time at the Musée Mécanique, a unique and interactive museum located at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. This for-profit museum houses one of the world's largest privately owned collections of 20th-century penny arcade games and artifacts, with over 300 mechanical machines on display. Founded by Edward Galland Zelinsky, who began collecting machines at the age of 11, the Musée Mécanique offers a nostalgic journey through the evolution of entertainment. The collection includes a wide array of mechanical marvels, from antique slot machines and fortune tellers to intricate dioramas and player pianos. Many of these machines are still operational, allowing visitors to experience the charm and wonder of a bygone era firsthand. Among the museum's treasures are a steam-powered motorcycle built in 1912 (possibly the only one of its kind), machines made of toothpicks by prisoners, and the 6-foot-tall laughing automaton, Laffing Sal. Visitors can try their luck at vintage arcade games, test their strength, or enjoy a classic peep show. The Musée Mécanique is more than just a museum; it's an interactive playground that delights visitors of all ages.

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    Getting There

    Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, the F-Line streetcar provides a direct and scenic route to Fisherman's Wharf. The streetcar runs along Market Street to the Ferry Building, then continues along the Embarcadero to Pier 45. Alternatively, several bus lines, including the 15, 19, 30, 32, and 42, stop near Fisherman's Wharf. From the East Bay, take BART to Embarcadero Station and transfer to the F-Line. From Marin County, Golden Gate Ferry Service operates ferries to the Ferry Building; transfer to the F-Line from there. A single ride on Muni (bus, streetcar, or cable car) costs $3. Cable car fares are $8 per ride. BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled.

    Walking

    From Pier 39, Musée Mécanique is a pleasant 9-minute walk. Head west along the Embarcadero, following the waterfront. Pier 45 will be on your left. From the Ferry Building, the walk is approximately 1.6 miles and takes about 31 minutes. Head north along the Embarcadero, enjoying the views of the bay.

    Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a convenient way to reach Musée Mécanique. A taxi from downtown San Francisco to Fisherman's Wharf typically costs $14-$17 and takes about 6 minutes. From the Ferry Building, expect to pay $11-$14 for a 4-minute ride.

    Driving

    If driving, approach Fisherman's Wharf via Bay Street or North Point Street. Parking is available in several garages and lots in the area, but it can be expensive and availability may be limited. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay $15-$52 for hourly parking. Some nearby parking options include the Pier 39 Garage (175 Beach St) and the North Point Centre Garage (350 Bay St). Be aware of the potential for car break-ins in the area.

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