HI-SCORE

Welcome to HI-SCORE — a unique space where video game history comes to life. Located in the beautiful city of Hanover, this museum is a true paradise for gamers of all ages and those looking to dive into the sweet feeling of nostalgia. It is not just an exhibition behind glass, but an interactive zone where every exhibit invites interaction.

Here, in the heart of Germany, an impressive collection of arcade machines, classic consoles, and pinball machines has been gathered. Visitors can see how the entertainment industry has evolved over the decades, and most importantly, personally try out legendary games of the past.

HI-SCORE is a meeting place for generations: parents can show their children the games of their childhood, while young people can touch the origins of modern gaming culture. The cozy atmosphere, authentic sounds of 8-bit music, and flickering screens create an unforgettable impression, making this place a must-visit for pop-culture enthusiasts.

If you are planning a visit to this fascinating place, it is useful to know its exact location. The museum is situated in a convenient location, making it accessible for tourists exploring the city.

Contact Information:

The main thing to do at HI-SCORE is, of course, to play! Forget the "do not touch" rule found in ordinary museums. Here, you get to pick up joysticks and gamepads and stand at the controls of legendary arcade machines. You can test your skills in classic fighting games, platformers, racing games, and shooters that were hits in the 80s and 90s.

Be sure to pay attention to the pinball zone. These mechanical wonders require not only luck but also dexterity, and watching the ball move under the glass is a pleasure in itself. It is a great opportunity to have a friendly competition and try to beat the record (the very "high score" the venue is named after).

Furthermore, here you can get acquainted with rare home consoles that you might have only seen in pictures. Try beating levels on Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, or Atari systems. For many, this is a chance to achieve closure on childhood goals and beat that one difficult game that once seemed impossible. The atmosphere encourages socializing, sharing experiences, and simply having a fun time in the company of like-minded people.

Getting to HI-SCORE is not difficult, as the museum is located in the Südstadt district, which boasts good transport accessibility. If you are traveling by public transport, it is most convenient to use the subway (U-Bahn). The nearest stations are within walking distance, allowing you to quickly find yourself at the entrance to the world of retro games.

For those who prefer comfort, a taxi is an excellent option. A trip from the central station or the historic center will take very little time, usually about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Simply tell the driver the address: Anna-Zammert-Straße 28.

If you decide to walk, it is also a great idea, especially in good weather. A walk from the central shopping streets will allow you to better examine the architecture of Hanover and enjoy the atmosphere of the city before diving into digital history.

Although HI-SCORE is a modern venue, its exhibits carry a rich history of the development of digital entertainment over the last few decades. This place serves as a kind of "time capsule," gathering devices that defined the childhood and youth of several generations. Here, you can trace the evolution of the gaming industry: from bulky arcade machines with primitive graphics to home consoles that revolutionized the world of technology.

Of particular interest is the collection of pinball machines and arcade cabinets that were incredibly popular in the 70s and 80s. Each machine here is not just "hardware," but a monument to the engineering thought and design of its era. Keeping these machines in working order requires painstaking work and technical knowledge, as many spare parts for them have long been out of mass production.

The concept of such museums arose as a response to the rapid obsolescence of electronics. What was the pinnacle of progress yesterday becomes a rarity today. HI-SCORE allows you not only to learn dry facts about bits and pixels but also to physically touch history, understanding exactly how gaming culture developed in Europe and the world.

The time you spend at HI-SCORE depends directly on your interest in video games and your desire to immerse yourself in nostalgia. For a quick look at the collection and a couple of trial games, one hour might be enough, but most visitors stay here much longer.

If you plan to try out various consoles, compete with friends on arcade machines, or beat a few levels in your favorite childhood games, count on at least 2–3 hours. The atmosphere of the place is so engaging that time flies by unnoticed, and many guests spend the whole day or evening at the museum.

The opening hours of HI-SCORE may change depending on the season or private events. Often, such venues open their doors in the afternoon or closer to the weekend to welcome the maximum number of guests.

To avoid facing closed doors, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the museum's official website or their social media pages before your visit. This will help you plan the perfect evening in the world of retro games.

After immersing yourself in the world of retro games, it is worth taking time to explore the surroundings, as Hanover offers many other interesting locations nearby. The area is perfect for walking, and you can easily combine your entertainment program with cultural enrichment or active recreation.

Below is a list of attractions located at various distances from the museum so you can plan your route: