National Pinball Museum: Not Just for Wizards

Just when you thought Washington had a museum for everything, one opens that is specifically dedicated to the art and history of the pinball machine -- the National Pinball Museum. Why not? The concept for the National Pinball Museum is logical. It’s a game that launched early video arcades and the first “gamers," a national pastime that hundreds of thousands of teenagers spent hours perfecting and strategizing -- and also that was immortilized in the famous song by the rock group The Who.

Fanatics became known as “pinheads” and the game formed its own cult-like following. Pinball games of every theme and type, many based upon popular motion pictures, were introduced, and became collector’s items – even today. At the National Pinball Museum, located in the Georgetown neighborhood of D.C., visitors will be able to view these different machines from past and present, and even try their hand at beating some scores.

Opened this past fall and located at The Shops in Georgetown, the National Pinball Museum is 14,000 square feet of space dedicated to anything pinball-related, including a restoration lab, classrooms and interactive exhibits. It discusses the history of pinball all the way back to the 18th century, with the game Bagatelle (the precursor to pinball) through modern day computerized versions.

The museum examines pinball machines that have captured historic events and pop culture, and the entertainment and art that went that into designing the games. The main exhibit hall features rotating displays, such as the “Golden Age of Pinball” of the 1940s to 1960s, when three companies defined the industry with innovative approaches to the all-American game, and“Art vs. Designer," which examines the artistry behind pinball machines and studies two of the most celebrated artists from one famous company. There’s also a pinball theater showing documentaries and short films on the history of pinball and related subjects.

Educational programs are also available, including an electronics lab, painting, stenciling and silk screening, woodworking and construction, and restoration of pinball machines. The courses are meant to be comprehensive enough so that afterwards you can seek a profession or job in pinball design, building, programming and maintenance.

The visit to the museum isn’t complete without trying your hand at playing. The "Pay to Play" area has a changing array of games for all players to try out or master. If you’re really serious, you can also participate in the museum's annual tournament.

National Pinball Museum Georgetown Washington DC museum