Zurich is home to a wide range of museums, from art collections like Kunsthaus Zürich to historical exhibitions at the Swiss National Museum. Among these cultural highlights, GamePlaza offers something completely different. Located at Badenerstrasse 569 in Zurich Altstetten, GamePlaza is Switzerland’s first dedicated video game museum. The museum combines classic arcade machines, gaming consoles, PC gaming stations, and virtual reality experiences into a fully interactive exhibition.
Instead of quiet galleries and glass display cases, visitors are invited to play the exhibits themselves. With a single ticket, guests receive two hours of unlimited gaming, allowing them to explore the history of video games in a hands-on way. GamePlaza fits perfectly into any Zurich itinerary, whether you are visiting the lake promenade, exploring the Old Town, or hiking on nearby Uetliberg.
GamePlaza’s Unique Interactive Concept
Unlike many traditional museums where visitors simply observe exhibits, GamePlaza focuses entirely on interaction and participation. The exhibition features a carefully curated collection of gaming experiences from different eras, including:
- Vintage arcade machines
- Home gaming consoles
- PC gaming stations
- Virtual reality setups
Every machine is playable during your visit, creating an environment where visitors actively explore gaming history rather than just reading about it. Throughout the museum, QR codes and short information panels provide insights into the development of video games, the technology behind classic machines, and the cultural impact of gaming. GamePlaza is open Wednesday to Sunday, with extended opening hours on Saturdays, and is easily reachable by tram from the city center.
A Journey Through Gaming History
The core attraction at GamePlaza is its interactive gaming exhibition. Visitors can step into decades of gaming history, starting with classic arcade machines that defined the golden age of video games. Popular highlights include:
- Pac-Man
- Donkey Kong
- Street Fighter
- Time Crisis
- NBA Jam
The arcade section recreates the atmosphere of classic gaming halls from the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond arcade machines, the museum also features a wide selection of home consoles, allowing visitors to play games from early systems to modern platforms. PC gaming stations showcase another important part of gaming history, while the virtual reality area demonstrates how gaming technology continues to evolve. Leaderboards and friendly competitions often develop naturally among visitors as they try to beat each other’s high scores. The museum layout is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with spacious areas and seating options that make it comfortable for visitors of all ages.
Events, Education, and Community
GamePlaza is more than a museum. It also serves as a lively gathering place for the gaming community. The venue regularly hosts events such as:
- Gaming tournaments
- Educational workshops
- Birthday celebrations
- Corporate team-building activities
- Guided tours introduce visitors to the history of video games and explain how the industry evolved from simple arcade machines to today’s complex gaming experiences.
These programs add educational value while keeping the experience engaging and fun.
Why GamePlaza Stands Out Among Zurich Museums
Each museum in Zurich offers a different perspective on culture and history. Visitors might admire Chagall’s stained glass windows at Fraumünster, explore global football history at the FIFA World Football Museum, or learn about Swiss traditions at the Swiss National Museum.
GamePlaza adds a modern and playful dimension to Zurich’s cultural landscape. By allowing visitors to actively play the games on display, the museum turns gaming history into an interactive experience that appeals to families, tourists, and gaming enthusiasts alike. It is also a popular indoor activity on rainy days and a unique destination for birthday parties or group events.
Planning Your Visit
GamePlaza is located at:
Badenerstrasse 569
Zurich Altstetten, Switzerland
The museum is easily accessible by tram or train to Zurich Altstetten, followed by a short walk.
Opening Days
Wednesday – Sunday
(Saturday evenings offer extended opening hours)
Tickets
- Adults: 22 CHF
- Kids (6–15): 19 CHF
- Kids (5): 5 CHF
- Kids under 4: Free
Each ticket includes two hours of unlimited play across all gaming areas. Drinks are available from vending machines, and several restaurants and cafés can be found nearby in Altstetten.
A Different Kind of Museum Experience
GamePlaza redefines what a museum visit can be. Instead of observing history from a distance, visitors actively participate in it by playing the games that shaped the video game industry.
For anyone interested in gaming culture—or simply looking for a fun and interactive activity in Zurich—GamePlaza offers a unique experience that combines entertainment, nostalgia, and technology.
Whether you are rediscovering classic arcade games or trying modern virtual reality experiences, GamePlaza invites you to play your way through gaming history.
