Established 2000 Phone +1 510-592-3002 | Location El Cerrito, California Founded 2000 | |
Address 10979 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530, USA Hours Closed today TuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedThursdayClosedFridayClosedSaturday10AM–5PMSunday10AM–5PMMondayClosedSuggest an edit Similar Playland, Pacific Pinball Museum, Musée Mécanique, Circle of Palms Plaza, Golden State Model Ra Profiles | ||
Help save this arcade classic carnival game fun at playland not at the beach the crane couple
Playland-Not-At-The-Beach is a non-profit, family-oriented museum in El Cerrito, California celebrating America's bygone amusements, operated entirely by volunteers.
Contents
- Help save this arcade classic carnival game fun at playland not at the beach the crane couple
- History
- References
The museum's 25 exhibits have specific emphasis on the attractions that once existed at Playland at the Beach and the Sutro Baths & Museum. Included are numerous artifacts from the original Whitney’s Playland at the Beach, including the giant clown's blue hat from the top of the Playland Funhouse, and Walking Charley, one of the original hand carved life-size wooden characters from the terrace above Laughing Sal in the front window of the Fun House. Thousands of historical items are present, from cases of never-opened books of Playland tickets to original signage, parts of rides and games, rare photographs, employee uniforms, and prizes from the Playland arcade games. Additionally, there are over 30 pinball games, carnival skill games, dioramas celebrating Halloween and the Yuletide season, and miniature circuses, including the Marcks Family Miniature Circus.
History
Playland-Not-At-The-Beach came into fruition in 2000 when El Cerrito businessman Richard Tuck purchased a 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) building that was formerly a grocery store. Tuck, an enthusiastic collector for the majority of his life, used the former store as place to keep various objects he had acquired, including Playland artifacts. Upon hearing of his Playland relics, community members began to show an interest and volunteered to organize and catalog his collections. Tuck then made the decision to turn the building into a Museum dedicated to Fun. After eight years of designing and construction, Playland-Not-At-The-Beach opened on May 31, 2008.
Playland-Not-At-The-Beach was featured on the local San Francisco television show "Eye on the Bay" on November 23, 2009.