Deutsches Flipper- und Arcademuseum

About the museum

Behind the museum is the non-profit association For Amusement Only, founded in 2009 by collectors and technology enthusiasts in Rodenbach, Hesse. The first exhibition was created there and opened to the public for the first time in July 2010. As the collection grew quickly, the museum moved to larger premises in Seligenstadt, in the Offenbach district, in 2013.

Today more than 250 machines are spread over about 900 square metres and two floors – roughly half pinball machines and half video arcade machines, supplemented by electromechanical games and consoles. The special feature is the concept: all machines are set to free play and can be used without inserting coins. Association members maintain, repair and document the often decades-old technology on a voluntary basis; this is why the museum regularly opens only once a month.

Besides classics such as Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, the collection includes rarities, such as the Poly-Play, the only video arcade machine built in East Germany, an eight-seat Daytona USA setup by Sega from 1994, and rare pinball machines by the manufacturer Alvin G., including prototypes. A separate room shows Japanese arcade culture with sit-down machines. In 2025 the museum received a special jury prize at the Deutscher Computerspielpreis, and since August 2026 it has carried the name Deutsches Flipper- und Arcademuseum.

Highlights

• Over 250 playable pinball and arcade machines on free play
• Sega Daytona USA (1994) for up to eight players
• Poly-Play – the only video arcade machine from East Germany
• Rare Alvin G. pinball machines including prototypes
• Kawaii Room on Japanese arcade culture

Permanent exhibitions

• Flipper aus mehreren Jahrzehnten – Over 100 pinball machines by manufacturers such as Bally, Williams, Stern and Zaccaria, all set to free play – the basement contains pinball machines only.
• Arcade – die goldene Ära der Spielhallen – More than 100 video arcade machines from Pac-Man to Daytona USA, plus a console corner.
• Kawaii Room – A separate room on Japanese arcade culture with typical sit-down machines such as the Sega Blast City.

Founded

2009

Operated by

For Amusement Only e.V.

Admission & discounts

Prices apply per person and time slot. Tickets online only (PayPal or bank transfer), no cash payment on site; cancellation up to one day in advance for a €2 fee. All machines playable without inserting coins.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Exhibition on two floors; the basement, with the toilets and the mechanical pinball machines, is very loud – hearing protection is recommended for noise-sensitive guests. Animals are not allowed in the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

All machines may be played; children under 6 have free admission. The basement is very loud.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A3, exit Seligenstadt, then via Dudenhöfer Straße, Frankfurter Straße and Kapellen-/Ellenseestraße to Wilhelm-Leuschner-Straße.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop: not available

Counter in the foyer with chilled drinks and snacks (drinks only in the first time slot); eating and drinking only in the foyer, not in the exhibition rooms.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

The museum does not offer company events or rentals, as the time between opening days is needed for repairs.

Plan your visit