At the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines in St Petersburg, you can play vintage games using original Soviet coins handed out with admission. The collection includes games such as Sea Battle, Horse Racing and Tankodrome, with English and Russian descriptions explaining each machine and how it works. There is more to explore than the arcade floor: Soviet cartoons, sensory displays and drinks from an old-style soda fountain add context to the games. The museum is on Konyushennaya Square, near the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
How the arcade works
Admission comes with a matchbox holding original Soviet coins. Use the coins to play the machines, with one coin for a turn. Staff give a short introduction to the museum and can explain how the games work.
Descriptions beside the machines are in English and Russian, though the English text is sometimes shorter. They cover details such as a game's maker, design and mechanics. Some machines are under maintenance, so not every game will necessarily be available during your visit.
More than arcade machines
The museum also brings together details of everyday life and entertainment from the Soviet era. A sensory display includes smells and sounds, while Soviet cartoons play in a separate room. The cafe has a soda fountain serving drinks including kvass and cream soda, as well as coffee and snacks.
The collection includes more than fifty machines dating from the mid-1970s onward. Alongside arcade games, consoles such as the Sega and Nintendo 64 are also mentioned among the exhibits.
FAQ
How long do you need at the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines?
Allow about one to two hours to play the games and explore the other displays.
Can you play the arcade machines?
Yes. Admission includes original Soviet coins to use in the machines. One coin gives you a turn.
Are the game descriptions in English?
Descriptions are available in English and Russian. The English versions may be shorter.
Is there a cafe at the museum?
Yes. The cafe serves drinks from a Soviet-style soda fountain, including kvass and cream soda, along with coffee and snacks.
