National Videogame Museum

About the museum

The National Videogame Museum describes itself as the only museum in the United Kingdom devoted entirely to videogames. It began in Nottingham and moved to Castle House in Sheffield city centre in November 2018. It is run by the charity British Games Institute.

The galleries cover about 50 years of videogame history and culture and offer more than 100 playable exhibits, from retro arcade cabinets to modern consoles. Visitors can play solo and multiplayer games for two, three to four, or five or more players, and young families have their own selection of games. The whole museum is on one floor.

Behind the displays the museum looks after a collection of around 5,000 objects of videogame heritage. It also hosts curated exhibitions; the Art of Play, launched in October 2022, looks at the art, creativity and people behind five games made in the UK. The programme includes events during school holidays, and the museum offers group visits, school sessions, birthday parties and venue hire.

Highlights

• Over 100 playable games and exhibits
• About 50 years of videogame history and culture
• Retro arcade machines and modern consoles
• Collection of around 5,000 videogame heritage objects
• Step-free, on one floor, with free ear defenders

Permanent exhibition

• Playable galleries – More than 100 playable games and exhibits covering about 50 years of videogame history, from arcade cabinets to modern consoles.

Founded

2018

Operated by

British Games Institute (registered charity 1183530)

Admission & discounts

Under-5s are free but need a ticket. Tickets are valid for the booked date and time only; pre-booking is recommended and door sales are not guaranteed. Visitors can come and go during their visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Step-free access from Angel Street, and the whole museum is on one floor. Most games are at table height, with light cube seats that can be moved for wheelchair users; the arcade cabinets cannot be adjusted. There is an accessible toilet next to reception but no Changing Places toilet. The museum can be loud with bright, flashing screens, and free ear defenders are available at reception. Assistance dogs are welcome when wearing a harness or tabard.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Playable exhibits are suitable for young people, with a selection of games for young families. Baby changing is in the accessible toilet, which is left open. Birthday parties can be booked.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

There is no café; soft drinks are sold at the front desk. Several cafés are nearby. Complimentary Wi-Fi is mentioned only for venue hire.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 300 guests.

The Gallery holds up to 300 guests and the Activity Room seats 40. Hirers get exclusive use of the museum and add-ons such as team-building games and curator talks.

Plan your visit