Before Donkey Kong, before Asteroids, before Pac Man … heck, before Pong … there was pinball … genesis of mainstream electronic gaming.
Few people are aware of this, but ever since I was a young boy, I played the silver ball. From Soho down to Brighton, I must have played them all. However, I’ve never seen anything like it in any amusement hall — this deaf, dumb, and blind kid I encountered … sure played a mean pinball.
One day, I may write a song about it.
On second thought, maybe not. Nobody wants to hear about that kind of stuff.
Anyway …
I am constantly looking for new and interesting places to check out here in Seatlle. Sometimes I get suggestions or tips, and this is exactly what happened a few weeks ago as I was perusing the Seattleites Group on Facebook.
“You should check out the Pinball Museum”, came a suggestion from Eric, and yesterday, I did exactly this.
Shortly after noon, my sprog and I strapped on our helmets, jumped on my scooter, and rode two-up through the streets of Downtown Seattle — over to Bruce Lee’s old stomping grounds.
Nestled among the Chinese restaurants and markets of “The ID” (a local designation for the “International District” a/k/a Chinatown) sits a nondescript storefront in an unassuming building. Inside of this storefront, lies the Seattle Pinball Museum.
The Seattle Pinball Museum Entrance
The Seattle Pinball Museum Entrance
What is the Pinball Museum?
I’m glad you asked.
Opened in September of 2010, the Pinball Museum is a collection of over 30 different pinball machines from 1960 all the way up to now.
This place is, however, more than just a simple “museum”.
Unlike most museums where you are hushed and admonished in quiet tones not to touch the exhibits, the Pinball Museum is a decidedly hands-on affair.
Inside The Seattle Pinball Museum
Playing Pinball in The Seattle Pinball Museum
Playing Pinball in The Seattle Pinball Museum
Playing Pinball in The Seattle Pinball Museum
Inside The Seattle Pinball Museum
Playing Pinball in The Seattle Pinball Museum
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Seattle Rex Posts
I’m surprised you never paid a visit to the Pinball Hall of Fame on Tropicana Avenue when you were VegasRex
They should have invited me.
I did a lot of things and blogged from many places in that town, but the HOF just didn’t cross my mind back then.
I think the local businesses there do themselves a diservice by not reaching out to the hardcore blogging community a bit more.
Excellent write-up! Thank you for your review.
I appreciated your photographs and the story regarding “Galactic Girl”. I was enjoyed playing the older (1960s-1970s and prior) machines at the Vegas PHOF.
This PHOF appears more organized with clearer descriptions on the machines than the Vegas HOF (small index card write-ups). The Vegas HOF has close to 100 active machines (and dozens more hosted at the Riviera) and also has some older video games (Donkey Kong, Tron and others). I wish Chicago which produced a majority of pinball games had something similar. The large arcade on Western near lane closed years ago after the Yuppies took over.
All net proceeds from the Vegas PHOF go to the Salvation Army.
Rex,
Glad you took the time to go. You really did justice to this place. The owners Charlie and Cindy are a treasure. What is even more interesting and might merit another post from you is their story, how they got the place… via storefronts seattle and the 1932 machine they have hidden upstairs.
If you go back and meet the owners.. get to know them… tell them I sent you and ask to see the 1932 machine and about their plans for the addition of a little food bar type place. Interesting stuff, great people.
Thanks for being active on our FB page too. Love your stuff.
E