Musee Mecanique, San Francisco
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the picturesque Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco, Musée Mécanique is a vibrant homage to the bygone era of arcade entertainment. This interactive museum is a treasure trove of over 300 mechanical machines, ranging from 20th-century penny arcade games to ornate music boxes and antique slot machines.
The Musée Mécanique is a living museum, where the majority of the exhibits are in full working order, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the joy of vintage coin-operated entertainment. Entry to the museum is free, with each machine requiring mere quarters to spring to life, making it an affordable attraction for tourists and locals alike.
One of the highlights of the museum is the "Laffing Sal," a towering, cackling figure that has been a fixture of amusement parks and penny arcades since the 1930s. Other notable exhibits include intricate dioramas, love testers, arm-wrestling machines, and classic video games that span the history of arcade gaming.
The Musée Mécanique is not just a collection of novelties; it's a preservation of history and a celebration of mechanical ingenuity. Each piece in the collection tells a story of entertainment from a time before digital screens dominated our leisure.
Musee Mecanique – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Aquarium of the Bay, Bimbo's 365 Club, Aquatic Park Historic District, Pier 39.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Musee Mecanique open?
- 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
Which popular attractions are close to Musee Mecanique?
How to get to Musee Mecanique by public transport?
Bus
- Jefferson Street & Taylor Street • Lines: L-Owl (3 min walk)
- Beach Street & Taylor Street • Lines: 18, 2, 24, 27, 38, 38A, 4, 54, 58, 72, 74, 76, 8 (4 min walk)
Tram
- Jefferson Street & Taylor Street • Lines: F (3 min walk)
- Jones Street & Beach Street • Lines: F (5 min walk)
Ferry
- Pier 41 Gate 1 • Lines: Blue & Gold Fleet (5 min walk)
- Pier 41 Gate 2 • Lines: Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco Bay Ferry (6 min walk)
Trolleybus
- Columbus Avenue & North Point Street • Lines: 30 (8 min walk)
- North Point Street & Hyde Street • Lines: 30 (9 min walk)
Metro
- Embarcadero • Lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow (40 min walk)
Light rail
- Embarcadero • Lines: K, N, S, T (40 min walk)