At Pier 45 in Fisherman’s Wharf, Musée Mécanique brings old arcade machines to life. Its collection spans more than 300 coin-operated games and mechanical curiosities, including fortune tellers, pinball, player pianos and moving displays. Admission is free, and you can choose which machines to play; most take coins, with costs ranging from a few cents to several dollars. Look for Laffing Sal, the towering mechanical figure once seen at Playland, and leave time to explore the unusual machines as well as the games.
A collection you can play
Musée Mécanique is on Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf. More than 300 coin-operated machines and amusements fill the space, ranging from early mechanical devices to later arcade games. It is both a collection to look around and an arcade to play: many of the machines still work, and you can put in coins to see them move or hear them play.
Among the collection are hand-cranked music boxes, player pianos, pinball machines, fortune tellers, antique slot machines and mechanical displays. Some machines are playful, while others tell darker stories. Take time to look closely at the different kinds of mechanisms and scenes rather than heading straight for the video games.
Look for Laffing Sal
One of the collection’s most familiar figures is Laffing Sal, a six-foot-tall automaton known for her loud laughter. She once stood at Playland, San Francisco’s seaside amusement park, which closed in 1972. The museum’s collection also includes a large model of a traveling carnival, with a Ferris wheel and other rides.
The machines reflect the variety of entertainment found in penny arcades and amusement parks: some play music, some test your strength, and others deliver a fortune or present a moving scene. You may also find newer arcade games among the older devices.
From Playland to Pier 45
The collection began with San Francisco collector Ed Zelinsky, who started gathering mechanical amusements in 1933. Some pieces were displayed at Playland, and the museum grew from the popularity of that arcade section. Musée Mécanique is now at Fisherman’s Wharf, where its collection preserves machines that were made for hands-on amusement.
The name means “Mechanical Museum.” Its appeal lies in seeing the mechanisms at work, not only viewing objects behind glass. Look for coin-operated instruments and arcade novelties alongside the games; the collection includes musical machines as well as amusements.
Planning a visit
Entry is free, so you can come in to browse without paying for a game. Bring cash and coins if you want to try the machines. Costs vary: some take a small amount, while others can cost several dollars. Change machines are available, and an attendant can help if you need to break a larger bill.
A visit can be a quick stop or stretch longer as you try different games. Weekdays and quieter periods can be easier for walking around and choosing machines. The museum is on Pier 45, within Fisherman’s Wharf; take a look outside for vintage cars and water views while you are there.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Musée Mécanique free to enter?
Yes. Admission is free, and you pay only to use the coin-operated machines.
How long should you spend at Musée Mécanique?
Allow about 45 to 90 minutes to browse the collection and try some machines.
Should I bring cash or coins?
Yes. The machines take coins, and some cost more than a quarter. Change machines are available on site.
What is Laffing Sal?
Laffing Sal is a six-foot-tall laughing automaton that once stood at San Francisco’s Playland. It is part of the museum’s collection.
