RetroGames

About the museum

RetroGames e. V. was founded in 2002 to preserve the culture of electronic video games in Germany and make it accessible to a wider audience. The association's museum opened in Karlsruhe on June 15, 2002 and, by its own account, is the oldest permanent exhibition on this subject in Germany. It is located in the arts and culture center "Die Kulturdose" on Schauenburgstraße.

The members are often collectors and enthusiasts of classic entertainment electronics. They rescue old arcade machines, pinball tables and consoles from the scrapyard, restore them voluntarily and as close to the original as possible, and show them as interactive exhibits. The entire collection comprises more than 200 original machines and offers a cross-section of fifty years of video game history; restored pieces are rotated on display.

The permanent exhibition consists of over 90 video game machines, 15 pinball tables and various consoles. Most of them can be tried out without inserting coins. The rooms are deliberately styled to match the era of the devices on display. In addition, there are special exhibitions that change every year, a members' evening every Tuesday, and the option to rent the museum for celebrations. Since 2025 the association has had non-profit status.

Highlights

• Over 90 playable arcade machines, no coin required
• 15 pinball tables and various consoles
• Collection with a cross-section of 50 years of video game history
• Restored by volunteers and kept as close to the original as possible
• Happy hour from 20:00

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung Videospielautomaten und Flipper – Curated permanent exhibition with over 90 video game machines, 15 pinball tables and consoles, almost all of which may be played.

Founded

2002

Operated by

RetroGames e. V.

Admission & discounts

Members of the association have free admission. Admission vouchers worth €5 or €10 are available at the ticket desk. Card payment is possible.

Accessibility

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

The museum is accessible for wheelchair users, but most of the arcade machines are designed for standing players. Animals are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children and young people under 14 may visit the museum only accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A5, exit Karlsruhe Süd, or from the direction of the A65/L540 via the B10 toward Karlsruhe-Grünwinkel/Bulach.

Amenities & dining

Non-alcoholic drinks and small snacks at the ticket desk; a "Chill-Out-Zone" for resting. With the entry stamp you can leave the museum for a while and come back.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit