Arcade
Explore the Games of Yesteryear!
Know Before You Go
- The Arcade is a wheelchair accessible space.
- Guests are recommended to bring quarters with them.
- There are step stools located in the Arcade for guest use.
Welcome to the Arcade, an exciting destination located on the third floor of GRPM! Step into a world of nostalgia as you discover a collection of vintage games from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. This hidden gem, conveniently situated just outside the Anishinabek: The People of this Place exhibit, invites you to relive the magic of games from yesteryear. Don’t forget to bring your quarters for an unforgettable gaming experience!
Out of the Vault
The Arcade is also home to a remarkable jukebox that carries a rich legacy in American music and culture. With strong ties to Grand Rapids, where Rowe/AMI, a prominent jukebox manufacturer, operated for nearly a century from 1909, this jukebox embodies the city’s musical heritage. Originally dating back to the late-nineteenth century, jukeboxes started as coin-operated machines playing tunes from paper or metal cylinders. The jukebox displayed here, created by Rowe International/AMI Entertainment circa 1965, showcases an array of top songs from 1971 on 45 rpm records. Rowe/AMI had a significant presence in Grand Rapids until changing music technologies impacted the jukebox industry, leading to the relocation of manufacturing operations out of state. This functioning jukebox provides a hands-on experience, celebrating the influential machine that helped shape and promote the remarkable music of our past.