It's the kind of museum where it's less about observing the exhibits and more about playing with them! The whole family can get in on the action – no problem at the Pinball Museum. In 16 rooms, visitors can discover about 100 machines. And fitting with the different eras of pinball, visitors also learn a lot about the art and technology behind these gaming devices.

One of the highlights is the pinball machine 'Fathom,' considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the most beautifully crafted ever made. Painstakingly restored, with completely new printing and painting, it has been part of the exhibition at Friesenstraße since early 2020. Offering the thrill of a 3-ball multiball and various drop targets, it was originally built in 1980.
But there are much older models and machines from different decades to explore too. In the 1930s, pinball was purely mechanical, with no electrical elements. Those came in the 1950s, along with vibrant colors. They're seen as the forerunners of the pinball machines we know today, complete with the introduction of the pinball flipper.
The 1960s brought reel-based scoring and chimes – with societal themes integrated into gameplay. The 1970s saw the introduction of electronic components. This decade is often considered the golden age of pinball.

However, the decline soon followed. In the 1980s, machines became more complex, and the slow demise of pinball began, likely due to the rise of early video games. There was a brief resurgence in the pinball industry, but by the 2000s, the last company was struggling to survive: Manufacturer 'STERN' tried to revive the industry with movie-themed machines.
Then, after a few years, the game flipped back into popularity after 2010. The retro wave brought STERN back into the game, and new pinball companies emerged.
In addition to STERN, the Pinball Museum showcases other manufacturers from America and Europe: Bally, Williams, Gottlieb, Data East, Zaccharia, Interflip, Chicago Coin, Playmatik, as well as the first German pinball factory Max Jentsch & Meerz from Leipzig and Bergmann.

Not gambling, just gaming: Pinball is pure fun and trains skill and reflexes

For those who didn't know: Pinball machines have actually been around for over 200 years. Since they're not gambling machines, they're considered sports and entertainment devices. Many also see them as an art form, as they entertainingly reflect business and technological developments. One thing is clear: They train reflexes and skills. And for those who want to try it out, they can simply try their hand at machines with names like 'Mr. and Mrs. Pacman,' 'Tales of Arabian Nights,' 'Revenge from Mars,' 'Sindbad,' 'Lost in Space,' or 'Indiana Jones' – just to name a few from the vast collection.
Besides regular museum operations, the lively rooms can also be booked for parties, children's birthdays, or team events.