Posted in New Hampshire Attractions, Museums April 18, 2017 by Rachel

The World’s Largest Arcade Museum Is Right Here In New Hampshire And It’s Truly Epic

You may have been to Funspot in Laconia’s Weirs Beach (which proudly holds the Guiness World Record for largest arcade in the world) but did you know that while at Funspot you can go back in time? Step on in to the park’s own American Classic Arcade Museum and get ready for a blast from the past.

Funspot was founded in 1952 by Bob Lawton, who still runs the arcade. In the late 1990s, he realized that he'd accumulated enough classic games over the years to merit a museum.

Now, the museum displays about 250 arcade and pinball machines at any one time, with more in storage.

Unlike most museums, you're welcome to touch the exhibits! All of the games in the museum are available for visitors to play.

The games represent a broad swath of American arcade history, ranging from 1930s pinball machines to Donkey Kong.

All of the games in the museum were made before 1987 - the founders felt that cut-off date represents the transition to the modern video game era.

To maximize the effect of a trip back in time, the museum plays a constant stream of Duran Duran and other early 1980s pop, and uses red tints on the lightbulbs just like arcades did in the '80s.

Each year, the museum holds the Annual Classic Videogame and Pinball Tournament, which hosts competitors from around the world trying to beat arcade game records. The Guinness Book of World Records even sends representatives to record the results!

Between Funspot's founder and the museum's manager, who started working at the arcade in 1981, the museum also has a wealth of knowledge about running and fixing the games. They're passing that on to other employees, so generations to come can continue to enjoy these classic games.

Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the arcades of your youth or have never experienced anything other than modern computer gaming, the American Classic Arcade Museum is sure to keep you entertained. And if you did grow up on these games, it’s the perfect place to introduce the next generation of your family to some treasured memories. Head back in time at 579 Endicott Street North, Laconia, NH 03246.

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