Ever heard of a museum where you can touch everything? At the Paris Pinball Museum, touching is not just allowed, it’s encouraged. The Paris Pinball Museum isn’t your typical stuffy museum. It’s a vibrant, clanging, flashing celebration of pinball’s history. Located on Rue du Mont-Cenis, this unique museum houses over 200 playable pinball machines. From the earliest Gottlieb Baffle Ball of 1931 to some select modern electronic games like Monster Bash, the Paris Pinball Museum spans the entire history of the silver ball.
The Paris Pinball Museum is a labor of love. Raphael Lankar, a former pinball operator in Paris, started this collection in the 1950s. His passion for pinball and its history drove him to amass these machines. He lovingly restored them to their former glory. Raphael’s dedication ensures each machine isn’t just a display piece, but a living, breathing piece of history. Visitors can step back in time and experience the thrill of playing pinball through the ages.
Each machine at the Paris Pinball Museum has a story to tell. The Gottlieb Baffle Ball, the first machine you see upon entering, represents the birth of pinball. There are rooms dedicated to various manufacturers and eras. You’ll find woodrails, wedgeheads, and even multiplayer machines. This museum offers a comprehensive look at how pinball evolved from a simple mechanical game to the complex electronic marvels we know today. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.
The museum’s layout adds to the experience. It’s a maze of rooms and hallways, each packed with machines. This creates a sense of discovery as you wander, stumbling upon hidden gems around every corner. The museum even encourages interaction. If a machine isn’t working correctly, you can leave a post-it note so it can be fixed. This hands-on approach ensures every visit is a unique and interactive one.
The Paris Pinball Museum isn’t just about playing pinball; it’s about connecting with its history. Bruno, the museum’s volunteer and frequent tour guide, brings the collection to life. He shares anecdotes and historical context, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the machines and the era they represent. He can share Raphael’s stories about being a pinball operator in Paris during a time when pinball machines were contraband and the city’s pinball scene was thriving.
The Paris Pinball Museum offers a unique and engaging experience. It’s a place where you can relive the past, experience the evolution of a beloved game, and create new memories. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves pinball, history, or simply a good time.