The Replay Museum is a delightful and nostalgic haven for arcade and pinball enthusiasts. Located in Tarpon Springs, Florida, this one-of-a-kind museum showcases an extensive collection of vintage arcade games and pinball machines, transporting visitors back to the golden era of gaming.

Its purpose is to celebrate and preserve the rich history of these interactive gems while offering a welcoming space for people of all ages to enjoy the simple joys of classic gaming.

With its all-you-can-play model and an ever-evolving selection of games, the Replay Museum provides an unforgettable experience that bridges generations and unites the gaming community.

Replay Museum History

The Replay Museum blossomed from the heartfelt desire to preserve and share the vibrant history of arcade games and pinball machines.

Established in 2014 by Brian and Becky Cheaney, the museum’s foundation lies in the couple’s personal collection of classic games, which they had been lovingly gathering for over a decade.

Their dream was to create a haven where visitors could not only marvel at these interactive treasures but also rekindle fond childhood memories or uncover the allure of vintage gaming for the very first time.

Throughout the years, the Replay Museum has experienced remarkable growth, both in the size of its collection and its standing within the gaming community. Today, the museum proudly showcases an extraordinary assortment of over 100 pinball machines and arcade games, including several rare and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Thanks to the unwavering commitment of devoted volunteers and supporters, the Replay Museum has flourished into a vibrant cultural hub, hosting an array of events, tournaments, and educational workshops designed to delight gaming enthusiasts of all ages.

What to See in the Museum

The Replay Museum offers an eclectic mix of games and exhibits that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. With its extensive collection, visitors can immerse themselves in a treasure trove of interactive entertainment, including:

• Classic Arcade Games: The museum features an impressive lineup of beloved arcade games from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Visitors can enjoy iconic titles such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, and Street Fighter, among many others. These games showcase the evolution of arcade gaming technology and design over the years.
• Pinball Machines: Pinball enthusiasts will be delighted by the vast selection of machines on display, ranging from electro-mechanical classics to modern, digitally-enhanced marvels. The collection represents various eras and themes, including rare and highly sought-after machines like Medieval Madness, The Addams Family, and Attack from Mars.
• Console Gaming Stations: For those who prefer the comfort of home gaming systems, the Replay Museum offers several console gaming stations equipped with popular platforms such as Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Sega Genesis. These stations provide a chance to relive or discover the magic of early home gaming experiences.
• Interactive Exhibits: In addition to the playable games, the museum features exhibits that showcase the history and evolution of gaming technology, including vintage advertisements, promotional materials, and game memorabilia. These exhibits provide an engaging context for understanding the cultural impact of arcade games and pinball machines.

Classic Arcade Games and Pinball Machines

The Replay Museum places a strong emphasis on classic arcade games and pinball machines, which serve as the cornerstone of the museum’s collection. This focus allows visitors to truly appreciate the evolution of gaming and the significant role these interactive masterpieces played in shaping the entertainment landscape.

Classic Arcade Games

The museum’s assortment of classic arcade games is carefully curated to represent the most iconic and influential titles from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Visitors can relive the exhilaration of chasing high scores on games like Space Invaders, Frogger, and Asteroids, while also discovering lesser-known gems that capture the spirit of the era.

These games not only offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also highlight the ingenuity and creativity of game designers from that time.

Pinball Machines

Pinball machines hold a special place in the Replay Museum, with an expansive collection that spans several decades and showcases the evolution of pinball technology and design.

The museum is home to a wide array of machines, from vintage electro-mechanical wonders like Captain Fantastic and Fireball to more recent, visually captivating creations such as The Twilight Zone and Star Wars.

By preserving and maintaining these pinball machines, the Replay Museum provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the tactile and exhilarating gameplay that has captivated generations of players.

The Replay Museum’s emphasis on classic arcade games and pinball machines not only reflects a commitment to preserving gaming history but also fosters a unique sense of camaraderie among visitors.

Must See Pieces in the Collection

The Replay Museum takes pride in its collection of rare and unique pieces, which sets it apart from other gaming establishments.

• Computer Space (1971): Holding the distinction of being the first commercially sold coin-operated arcade game, Computer Space has a special place in gaming history. Created by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, who later founded Atari, this extraordinary piece is a prized part of the museum’s collection.
• Hercules (1979): Known as the world’s largest pinball machine, Hercules is a colossal novelty game measuring 3 feet wide and 7 feet long. Developed by Atari, this unique pinball machine features a cue ball in place of the standard pinball and is celebrated for its slow yet surprisingly captivating gameplay.
• Cinematronics’ Space Wars (1977): As one of the earliest vector display arcade games, Space Wars was groundbreaking for its time. Developed by Cinematronics and inspired by the PDP-1 computer game Spacewar!, this rare gem in the Replay Museum’s collection exemplifies the cutting-edge technology of early arcade games.
• Banzai Run (1988): This innovative pinball machine, designed by the renowned pinball designer Pat Lawlor, boasts a distinctive vertical playfield in addition to the traditional horizontal one. The imaginative design challenges players to navigate their pinball through both playfields, offering a thrilling and unique gaming experience.

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

While planning your visit to the Replay Museum, it’s essential to keep in mind that hours of operation and admission fees may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, we kindly suggest visiting the Replay Museum’s official website.

This will provide you with the current hours, admission fees, and any special announcements or events that may be occurring during your visit.

How the Museum Works?

The Replay Museum operates on a unique and user-friendly model that makes it incredibly easy for visitors to enjoy their gaming experience.

Upon arrival at the museum, guests pay for their pass at the front desk and receive an all-day wristband. This wristband not only grants access to the museum but also allows visitors to leave and return as they please, providing flexibility throughout the day.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Replay Museum is that all games are set to Free Play, meaning you won’t need a single quarter to indulge in the fun!

With over 120 games spanning more than 50 years of gaming history, visitors can immerse themselves in a wide array of classic arcade games and pinball machines without worrying about running out of coins.

This all-inclusive approach ensures a delightful and stress-free experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the magic of vintage gaming at the Replay Museum.

How to Get to Replay Museum in Florida?

The Replay Museum is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida, a charming town situated along the Gulf Coast. To get there, follow these directions:

Address: Replay Museum, 119 E. Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

By car: If you’re driving from the Tampa area, take the FL-60 W (Courtney Campbell Causeway) westbound towards Clearwater. Continue onto Gulf to Bay Blvd, and then take US-19 N. Turn left onto E. Tarpon Avenue, and the museum will be on your left.

From the St. Petersburg area, head north on I-275, then take the exit for FL-686 W (Roosevelt Blvd). Continue onto FL-688 W (Ulmerton Road), then take US-19 N. Turn left onto E. Tarpon Avenue, and the museum will be on your left.

Public transportation: While public transportation options are limited in Tarpon Springs, you can take the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus service from nearby cities like Clearwater or Palm Harbor.

Bus routes may change over time, so it’s best to check the PSTA website for the latest schedules and route information. Once you reach Tarpon Springs, the Replay Museum is just a short walk from the bus stop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Replay Museum offers a nostalgic and immersive journey through the history of arcade games and pinball machines.

By showcasing a vast collection of classic games, rare pieces, and interactive exhibits, the museum successfully bridges the gap between generations and unites the gaming community.

For anyone who appreciates the simple joys of vintage gaming or wishes to learn more about the evolution of interactive entertainment, the Replay Museum is a must-visit destination.