Computer Games Museum Berlin: Interactive Video Game History Guide

The Computer Games Museum (Computerspielemuseum) in Berlin is a nostalgic paradise for gamers and a fascinating history lesson for everyone else. Located in the trendy Friedrichshain district, it opened in 1997 as the world’s first permanent museum for digital interactive entertainment culture. It houses over 25,000 computer games and applications, offering a hands-on journey through more than 60 years of video game history—from the bulky machines of the 1950s to the Virtual Reality of today.

What to expect at Computer Games Museum

This is an interactive museum where “please touch” is the rule rather than the exception.

• The Wall of Hardware: A visually stunning display of over 50 different consoles and computers from decades past. You will see everything from the Commodore 64 and Atari to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the original PlayStation.
• Rare Originals: The museum houses the “Nimrod”, a replica of the first special-purpose gaming computer from 1951, and the legendary “Brown Box”, the prototype of the first commercial home console.
• The PainStation: This art installation is not for the faint-hearted. It is a custom two-player game where losing means receiving real physical penalties, such as heat, mild electric shocks, or a whip on the hand.
• Arcade Hall: A dedicated section recreates the authentic atmosphere of an 1980s arcade. You can play original coin-operated machines like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and Gauntlet.
• Giant Joystick: Test your full-body coordination by playing Pac-Man with a joystick that is taller than a person. It usually requires two people to operate successfully.
• Period Rooms: These are recreated living rooms from different decades (e.g., a 1980s West German teenager’s room or a 1990s gamer den), complete with authentic furniture, wallpaper, and playable consoles on period-correct CRT TVs.

Where to buy tickets

• Online (Highly Recommended): The best way to secure your spot is to book tickets via the Computerspielemuseum official website. The museum is relatively small and can reach capacity quickly, so booking a time slot online ensures you get in without a wait.
• On-Site: You can buy tickets at the museum counter. However, on weekends or during school holidays, you might encounter a queue or find that immediate entry slots are sold out.
• Berlin WelcomeCard: If you have the Berlin WelcomeCard, you are eligible for a discount (usually around 25%). You can present the card at the counter to get the reduced rate or select the discount option when booking online.

Computer Games Museum’s tickets

• Regular Admission: Approximately €11.00 – €12.00.
• Reduced Admission: Approximately €7.00 – €8.00. This generally applies to students, apprentices, seniors, and people with severe disabilities (valid ID required).
• Family Ticket: Approximately €29.00. This typically covers up to 5 people (max. 2 adults) and is a great deal for families.
• Children (Under 6): Free admission.
• Evening Ticket: Some third-party platforms or special events may offer different pricing for late entry, but the standard day ticket is the most common option.

How to reach the museum

The museum is located at Karl-Marx-Allee 93a, 10243 Berlin, in the Friedrichshain district.

• By U-Bahn (Subway): Take the U5 line to the station Weberwiese. From the exit, it is just a 2-minute walk (about 100 meters). The U5 connects directly from Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, and Central Station.
• By S-Bahn (Train): The nearest major station is Ostbahnhof (S3, S5, S7, S9). From there, it is about a 10–15 minute walk or a short bus ride.
• By Bus: The bus lines 240 and 347 stop nearby.
• Landmark: The museum is located on the historic Karl-Marx-Allee, a monumental socialist boulevard. Look for the “Computerspielemuseum” sign near the Weberwiese station entrance.

Opening hours

• Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• Holidays: The museum is generally open 365 days a year, including public holidays.
• Exceptions: Hours may vary slightly on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31), often closing earlier in the afternoon. Always check the website before visiting on these specific dates.

How long does it take?

• Average Visit: 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives you enough time to see the history exhibits and play a few rounds of the arcade games.
• Hardcore Gamers: If you plan to beat high scores, play through the adventure games in the period rooms, or challenge friends at the PainStation, you could easily spend 3 to 4 hours.
• Quick Loop: If you only walk through without playing many games, you can see the exhibits in about 45 minutes, but you will miss the main fun.

Best time to visit

• Weekday Mornings: The best time to visit is Monday to Thursday, right at 10:00 AM. You will have the arcade machines and the Giant Joystick largely to yourself.
• Late Evenings: Visiting after 6:00 PM is also a good strategy, as the family crowds tend to thin out.
• Avoid: Weekends and school holidays between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM are the busiest. The museum is compact, so it can feel crowded quickly.

FAQs about Computer Games Museum