Musée Mécanique in San Francisco

Highlights of Musée Mécanique

The collection of over 300 classic games is the main attraction at Musée Mécanique. These include love testers, Mutoscopes (early motion picture devices), fortune tellers, music boxes, photo booths, peep shows, pinball machines, dioramas, player pianos, and classic video games, some intricately restored and about 200 currently on display. 

Other exhibits include a diorama of a travelling carnival that includes a large Ferris wheel and rides. The museum claims to house the world's only steam-powered motorcycle, which dates to 1912. You can see machines made of toothpicks by prisoners and a 6-foot laughing automaton called Laffing Sal. 

Good to know about Musée Mécanique

Though all of the classic machines at Musée Mécanique—mechanical and classic video games alike—are playable and available to the public, many are delicate, and the Musée Mécanique asks that visitors take great care in operating the machines. 

For the same reason, food and drink are not allowed within the museum, as these can severely damage the machines. Also for this reason, the museum does not permit private events or parties. It's a good idea to leave your dogs at home. Finally, many of the vintage machines are tall and may not be easily wheelchair accessible.