A dream come true for me.
As a youth with plenty of spare time, learning how to play pinball well enough on one dime or one quarter for an hour or more was fun.
I enjoyed pinball until I started my career in computers.
After Lucky Juju Pinball had been operating in Alameda for a while becoming the Neptune Beach Amusement Museum, I met the owner.
Months later I was invited to board meetings with more people joining the board to help the business grow in size. The board members had jobs and are just volunteers who love the art, history, and science of pinball. Some board members donated money or pinball machines, printed signs, painted murals, etc.
The board organized an event in Marin which grew the museum helping to also grow the pinball industry.
Becoming the Pacific Pinball Museum broadened our audience outside of Alameda. Leasing more retail space for both the museum's location on Webster Street and a larger warehouse space helped us grow until the pandemic hit. Selling hundreds of our duplicate machine titles helped our non-profit survive.
Advertising programs, exhibits, leagues, and memberships keep bringing in new patrons and entertaining our regular visitors. I am proud to be a member of the board.
Jim
As a founding member of the Pacific Pinball Museum I have seen it grow into a historic exhibition representing over 100 years of pinball. These pinball machines are playable by everyone from small children to wizards. Restoration is continually being done by experts and volunteers on playfieds mechanical and digital aspects.
I was on the board of the Pacific Pinball Museum when we voted to change over to non-profit status 21 years ago.. Our focus was on the science, art and historical elements that pinball offered. Shortly thereafter educational displays were integrated into our mission. Unlike many museums the PPM has always been a hands-on experience and as such attracts many families and people of all ages. While the changing displays highlight game design, different eras of pinball and pinball art and artists the museum at its core is a place to learn and have fun. There is a competitive pinball league that meets weekly for those who are interested in honing their skills. It is a great show and tell destination when friends and family come to visit. The collection of games in their warehouse is huge. This is mainly due to many generous private collectors who have donated individual games or portions of large collections. There are dedicated spaces in the museum for rotating art shows which help build local community and add to its culture of inclusiveness.
The best museum for pinball covering all aspects of the culture, evolution and aesthtics of the game. The PPM has been around for over 20 years and is going strong while 4 NP pinball museums with large private endowments have folded up after the pandemic. The support from the public is what keeps this museum going, please give them a lift and write a great review.
The PPM prides itself on being a TRUE museum with a variety of playable pins from all era's, artwork, curated exhibits, a chronological order and informational pieces throughout. We strive to connect fun with learning, especially the STEM disciplines and host many visits from local schools and camps throughout the year.
My first job as a teenager was cleaning pinball machine playfields and I have fond memories of that experience. The PPM really captures the spirit of my original experience and takes it one step further with actual educational stations around the building. Pinball is very popular these days and lots of folks are calling themselves something grand, but the PPM really delivers on the promise.
The Pacific Pinball Museum is one of our family's favorite places. We found it years ago through the Discover and Go program offered through the public library. Since then, it has become the museum we visit the most often, usually four or five times a year, even though it's a bit of a trek for us to get there. Not only that, my husband ended up purchasing several of their machines during lockdown, and has developed a newfound love of pinball repair. We all appreciate both the hands-on nature of the museum, as well as the information provided about each machine and what makes it unique or representative of its era. The jukeboxes in each room that play music from the decade of the machines featured there are also a big highlight. I love that the museum brings people of all ages together, and provides a truly immersive experience of a uniquely American past-time.
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The Pacific Pinball Museum is one of our family's favorite places to visit. We love trying out all of the pinball machines from different eras (and playing songs from different eras on the juke boxes!). They usually have some featured games with unusual game-play elements, and exhibits that demonstrate different aspects of pinball design and mechanics. The signs detailing the history of each machine are fascinating too. We feel so lucky to have this wonderful museum close to home.
What can be said of this museum that hasn't been said? Visitors are in awe of the over 100 playable machines that are on display. Some come to play, while others are mesmerized by the displays and read about the history of each machine. The staff are very knowledgeable and are more than happy to share their love for all things pinball. The museum continues to share the love by promoting learning events tailored toward younger pinballers learning to play the game and offering field trips to school groups to share the history and science behind the games. They're an unmatched museum and a treasure to the Bay Area.
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The Pacific Pinball Museum is my all time favorite place to visit and have fun. I first played Pinball as a youngster 60 years ago and to this day playing games here gives me same thrills I had as a kid. So many options of games to play and the history of pinball is so interesting I have learned something new every time I visit. With the option to go in and out it is great to take a break and go eat lunch or dinner and come back to play. Pinball teaches you to have good eye and hand coordination, patience and strategy.
Amazing variety of pinball machines. I can play for hours! Every year my friends and I look forward to their Pinball & Pints event which is always a blast and a great way to have fun with others in the pinball community! ❤️
The amazing thing about the Pacific Pinball Museum is that it serves everyone. Obviously, the machines in the History Room appeal to the old folks who remember them from long ago, while on the other side of the wall there are newfangled solid state games with pop culture branding and video narrative. But the artsy, educational, and technical features — on every wall, in every corner — are universally useful and appealing, and even the game play is structure to suit one player or many. I play pinball as a very solitary experience, but regularly-scheduled league play pits dozens of people against each other on multiple machines. Further, PPM provides, for instance, the old electro-mechanical 4 Square (a one-player game), but Astro is the same layout with multi-player scoring. The Pacific Pinball Museum is a most exceptional place — I tell people that they didn't put a high-minded label on an ordinary arcade; it's truly a museum.
We started visiting PPM about 10 or so years ago. My husband and I would take a bus from San Francisco where we lived. Visiting helped us to discover Alameda and the museum was one of several reasons why we decided to make the town our new home! Over the years, we have had memberships, purchased our first pinball machine from a PPM sale and made pinball a great part of our children’s lives. It is one of our favorite places and such a wonderful part of our community!
PPM is saving history. The history of Made in USA businesses that employed thousands of men and women both directly at the factories and indirectly by all the business and jobs created by the entertainment products they built. Just like the Ford Museum in Dearborn, the PPM is saving lost art and yet it is art the public can see, touch and interact with.
It is an organization professionally run and I fully support their mission.
They are keeping pinball alive. It gets harder and harder to find a place to play pinball. I try to go at least once a month and they are constantly switching out games. Fun for the whole family at a great price.
This place is amazing. I walked in there by accident one day when I moved into the same building it was in, and ended up going there all the time to play the incredible collection of vintage pinball machines, hang out, and have fun with the coolest and most lovely people! The Pacific Pinball Museum is my top recommendation for any friends in the Bay Area who want to have an authentically great time. There's so much knowledge of the history of the machines, and the staff are happy to talk to you about them. I can't recommend this place highly enough - it's like nothing you'll ever see, and it's SO much fun!
3 years ago we bought a dual membership to our local (lucky us) Pacific Pinball Museum. We’ve renewed each year since! My husband is a pro but I had maybe played a handful in my life (more a video game kid). Not anymore! We have so much fun at PPM and go at least once, if not a few times each week!
We get a kick out of all the pinball machines from the 1940s (and earlier) - current releases! It’s so fun to see the array of young, old, pinball geeks and clearly date night…seems PPM is truly a fun place for all and everyone is really nice! Did I mention all the cool artwork? I could spend an entire visit just enjoying all the art on the machines and the walls!
A great museum that teaches history, art and science through pinball! Fun for young and old. Besides pinball machines from the 1930s to today, there are science exhibits and activities for kids.
I’ve been gifted memberships here. Have purchased my own and have enjoyed many events held at PPM. Happy to drive up for the experience. Great for everybody!
The Pacific Pinball Museum is the jewel of Alameda. Centrally located on the main street through town, they offer anyone who comes in a chance to look around at their incredible collection of pinball tables. They are welcoming and accommodating to everyone and provide an amazing experience and education to all that visit. It is my favorite spot to visit and am always happy to make a contribution when I am there.
This is a rarity today. Hands on history. They go beyond caring about what they do and do it with a passion. In today's age of virtual reality and digital online entertainment, the great pastimes of America's past and how they shaped the culture should not be forgotten.
I love this place! They are preserving a valuable bit of history in a way that is fun for anyone who visits. Show your grandchildren that your youth was not drab and boring, in spite of no cellphone or tablet. You actually get to play most of these pinball machines. They are not just museum pieces. I can’t wait to get back there again.
The Pacific Pinball Museum is definitely a hands-on experience that can entertain and educate people of all ages and abilities. The cost of admission allows you to get a handstamp and enter and leave the premises as many times as you please during a day of play. Show up when they open; warm up for a few games; go get some lunch; return to play some more until it's time to leave for dinner; and return once more to play until it's closing time! With the exception of five newer games at the front entrance, all games are set on free play for you to practice and learn the nuances of each machine.
There also annual memberships for one, two, four and families that allow you to play to your hearts content anytime the museum is open. The memberships are idea for those who want to play somewhat frequently and save money at the same time.
There is a Pinball League that runs on Wednesday nights starting at 7:00pm and running until closing. League play is only $10, but if you're a member, that fee is waived! Want to meet a different cast of characters from those you work or go to school with? We're here at the museum. And even though it is a competitive league, nearly everyone will share their knowledge with you. All you have to do is ask.
The City of Alameda and those of us who enjoy playing pinball are lucky to have the PPM. The San Francisco Bay Area is fortunate to have several great pinball venues, but in my opinion. the PPM offers information that is also educational. There's even a once-a-month program for kids to learn to play. Remember, pinball is more than just another arcade game, it can teach you a bit about geometry, physics, gamesmanship and more!
PPM is amazing. I came for the games, and learned the science, the art, and the magic of pinball machines! The staff are truly docents, with great knowledge they are happy to share, but they also let you explore the place on your own if you want and, of course, play the games! All ages and all people are welcome, represented, and respected - but the great pinball players, the folks having great fun and those who established and keep the museum going get the most respect from me.
The Pacific Pinball Museum is a treasure. I've been going since it opened and now my kids love it too. One of my favorite nonprofits in the Bay Area. How can you not love a whole museum filled with pinball machines. OPM!
My favorite place in Alameda! This is a great place to play pinball and see a lot of machines from throughout the different eras in the history of the game. Staff is excellent and knowledgeable as well as very friendly and helpful! I give my highest recommendation!
Such a magical place! Our family enjoyed a wonderful NYE with pinballs on free play and friendly folks, wonderful art, videos, and music. Loved the photo booth with costume props. Thank you!
I wander from room to room with stars in my eyes, reliving my childhood with each pinball machine I see. I love this place and an so grateful it's here!
The pinball museum’s love of pinball shows in all that it does: the continuous rotation of machines, which are kept in almost perfect working order through constant maintenance; the care taken in writing about each machine and displaying interesting facts about each one, the pinball league and other events that bring the community together, and so much more, make the pinball museum truly one of the great nonprofits is the bay area!
Awesome space and a great mission. Stop by to learn a great American history lesson or just to play some pinball
If you are a fan, enthusiast or just interested in Pinball…this is a great non-profit organization that is very supportive and passionate about pinball!
I have been to the pacific pinball museum about ten times. First discovered it after researching and watching historical pinball documentaries and was pleasantly surprised to hear it was located less than an hour away from me!
They have a few machines in front that you can pay to play without ever having to enter the museum. You pay a single flat fee to enter and you are allowed in-and-out privileges all day. Once inside, if you follow the route through the museum, you’ll find them in historical order! Each machine has a bit of history presented on a card above each one. It’s just awesome to play pieces of history, learn about them, and pass along a great tradition to my kids!
Highly recommend and suggest you visit these great pieces of engineering history!
I loved visiting the PPP! It's a great resource for introducing new players to the game. I love that they rotate the games, and keep things working. I always see something new when I visit. I will definitely return and bring friends.
The Pacific Pinball Museum is full of passionate staff with an intense dedication to keeping pinball alive and thriving!
The workers are knowledgeable and excited to share fun facts and play tips and my family always has a great time visiting.
The city and state need to do what ever is necessary to keep these fine folks around for years to come.
One of the best museums in the Bay Area. The founder and the PPM team are incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to the preservation of all things Pinball from the art to the working mechanics. A pinball haven for all who come through their doors. A very very special place!
Where else can you relive your childhood, make new memories and learn about the true history of pinball. Clean, safe and inexpensive way to spend a day with the entire family.
This organization works tirelessly to educate and promote the great pass time of pinball! Truly dedicated staff are really passionate about their commitment to the Pacific Pinball Museum and its mission.
What a fun place to explore! Even if you don’t play, the artwork on these machines is beautiful. The older machines were my favorite. Great place!
I love going to the pinball museum! Its very informative as well as a great time for the whole family!
I have had only great experiences at the Pacific Pinball Museum. The cost is affordable, especially with in and out privileges. The information about the pinball machines, the art work and especially the staff is amazing. Great fun for all ages!
I’ve been going here for at least 15 years. The last four I’ve participated in the pinball league. They have built such a welcoming community. People from all ages, physical abilities and cultures mingle together. An important part of Alameda as the city grows.
I have been going to the museum and also been to many functions like maker faire where they brought machines for years. The principal founder also has taught classes on maintenance of pinball machines, and I took one of his classes ages ago. This is the real deal, a treasure of culture and a vast benefit to the public. And a hell of a lot of fun as well.
The depth of history is unparalleled, and it’s also great to just go for a very special occasion. Or just because.
They are truly passionate about their collection and share it as much as possible. Cannot recommend enough, good people doing good things for the community.
We love this place. We started playing pinball 15 years ago when my son was in preschool and discovered the Pinball Museum a few years later. We appreciate the wide variety of games from different eras at the museum and all the posters on the walls and cards over each machine explaining the history of the pinball in general and each machine. It is a great place to go and hang out for people of a variety of ages. It is something we can all enjoy together.
We frequent here often, and really love the experience we have. The variety of pinball machines, the flexible re-entrance throughout the day is great!
We appreciate the different styles of pinball machines, even the display of original machines is a great example of the evaluation of the machines.
We always look forward to going.
Love the Pacific Pinball Museum! I was so excited to find this interactive pinball museum the first time I visited my daughter and son-in-law in Alameda. I go to the museum every time I visit them.
This is the ultimate spot for Pinball preservation and history and a great place to enjoy the fun of the game! Wish I lived closer to enjoy it more. Their approach to the evolution of the game and the history is wonderful. A special group of people engaging the next generation of pinballers!
This is one of the best places to play some modern and tons of classic pinball machines! With in-n-outs you can have lunch, and make a day of it! The volunteers there are super nice also!
This place is just fun! Its clean and well kept. All games on the floor work. Great family fun especially if you like pinball. Staff is nice and helpful. I live hours away and still buy a season pass.
A fantastic place to learn and play. I have since moved from Alameda, but when I mention pacific pinball museum to pinball aficionados, their faces light up. This place has a great reputation nationwide. Their collection is vast and well maintained with a few cabinets I’ve only seen there and no where else, even at trade shows.
When I first visited, I was just curious and trying to find something to fill an afternoon. Within a month I had a new and serious hobby. The Pacific pinball museum made me fall in love with pinball and make it a regular part of my life. This is not only thanks to the quality of the museum but the people who work there.
Pinball museums tend to just be collections of cabinets as a rule, but pacific pinball museum does a fantastic job of grouping machines and providing supporting material that help people actually understand the development and history of the game. In addition the staff is always happy to adapt to the needs of the visitors, allowing some to do self guided tours and providing detailed guided tours to those who would like one.
It is also a great place for kids, which believe it or not is becoming a rare thing for arcades. Most pinball machines can only be found at barcades, which some allow children, some do not. Many also don’t open until after 4 pm. Many new arcades of the Dave and Buster variety don’t include pinball at all. Meaning if you want to take kids to play, there are very few places like the Pacific Pinball Museum left. The Pacific Pinball Museum also frequently has visitors from nearby senior centers and nursing homes. The result is a wonderful clientele, young and old and at all skill levels.
Videogames can be fun yet frustrating -- if you're not good, you run out of quarters really quickly. This place has you pay a low up-front cover cost and then you get unlimited play on all the games. They range from really old to '80s to modern pinball machines. So on a quiet day you can focus on one or two machines and maybe master one!
PPM preserves and promotes an iconic piece of recreational culture. For us older folks, it brings back memories of hanging out at the bowling alley or arcade playing pinball. My kids get to see entertainment without a screen, and a challenging game based on skill, luck, and some physics. Of course, playing all of these wonderful machines is the most fun, but the history of the artwork and technology is also fascinating. Great work, PPM, and I look forward to my next visit soon!
A vibrant and welcoming place for pinball. The variety of machines are a great look into an American past time. The history cards above the machines are neat to read about. It’s a really fun activity for all ages!
Love this place for some good old fashioned fun. I’ve taken my 6 & 8 yr old kids as well as my 70 yr old dad, and everyone has a blast. I love going here by myself and just zoning out playing some pin. They have awesome programs with the kids clinics as well as tournament play. It’s a hidden gem!
I truly love this place! I am always welcomed at the door by the friendly staff and after coming here for a few years, everyone knows my name.
This is the epicenter of a thriving local pinball community. I joined league night with a good friend of mine eight years ago and I have been looking forward to Wednesday nights ever since then. I really enjoy being a member and play pinball at least twice a week now. It’s amazing to see the field trips come in this summer and watch the young ones enjoy some pinball too. Plus they fix the machines when they get broken and they rotate pinball machines here on a regular basis. Not to mention, training others in repair work too, and all the special events they have here throughout the year. The Pacific Pinball Museum is hands down one of the best places to visit in the Bay Area. Stop by anytime, except on Mondays, and bring a friend or two! Discover the joy of pinball and the Pacific Pinball Museum.
Every time I go to the bay area I try to visit the PPM. The best pinball museum in the world. They really take care of the machines and their collection is just amazing. And they have the best team. Thanks for rescue all those games.
Lovely people with a great social media presence. Their work and institution is a fun and informative way to learn about science, psychics and art! Many great events and ways to communicate and collaborate.
This place is amazing. They had pinball machines from the early 50s 60s up to today. Took my two sons we spent at least 6 hours. The staff is awesome and all the machines are well maintained will be returning soon.
This is my favorite place to have fun. Not only do you have unlimited access to pinball machines spanning decades, but you get in and out privileges. The staff is amazing and helpful. Anyone visiting Alameda MUST visit!
This organization offers a genuinely enjoyable experience that is also educational and culturally significant.
Pinball is a lens to look at history, games, fun, culture, art, and more, and the PPM does a great job balancing these aspects.
I went there for fun, but was amazed to learn that Pinball has such a rich and wonderful history. I spent more time reading about the history of pinball than I did playing.
This is a wonderful interactive museum. They have exhibits from the dawn of pinball to the latest tables. Definitely worth a trip!
Such a great asset to the community in Alameda and doing great work to keep historical pinball alive and accessible to so many people.
