Pinball Museum Opened in Chicago Loop

The Flip: Chicago’s Playable Pinball Museum launched in the lower pedway of Block 37 in June 2026.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Board Games

Bold vector editorial illustration of vintage pinball machine mechanics, including bumper rings and a plunger, depicting arcade culture. — The Flip, a new nonprofit museum featuring 30 vintage pinball machines, opened to the public this June in Chicago's Block 37 pedway. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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William Pietri opened The Flip: Chicago’s Playable Pinball Museum, a nonprofit space located in the lower pedway of Block 37. The museum features approximately 30 pinball machines available for public play, with the oldest units in the collection dating back to 1932.

Why it matters

The museum aims to preserve pinball history and provide a non-alcoholic environment for families. It also functions as a community space with goals to develop a curriculum for training individuals in machine repair.

Adult admission to the museum is $20, while individual games cost 50 cents. The facility operates under zoning laws that limit the display of coin-operated machines, forcing the venue to keep only three units in the front area.

The players

William Pietri

William Pietri is the owner and founder of The Flip who previously tested the museum concept in Pilsen.

The details

The collection is curated through purchases from private owners via Facebook Marketplace or long-term loans from collectors. Maintenance and repair are handled by a volunteer team, and the space does not serve alcohol.

The oldest pinball machines in the collection were produced in 1932.
William Pietri opened a smaller test space in the Pilsen neighborhood in 2024.
The Flip opened in downtown Chicago in June 2026.
This article was published on October 2, 2026.

Culture Shift

The museum reflects a broader trend of repurposing urban spaces for niche, non-commercial community experiences. This shift moves away from traditional arcade entertainment toward educational and preservation-focused venues that cater to families.

Visitors to the Loop can access the museum for $20 to play vintage machines dating back to the 1930s. Because the museum prohibits alcohol, residents have a designated space for family-friendly entertainment in the downtown area.

The takeaway

The Flip provides a unique look at the history of mechanical gaming through its hands-on collection. Enthusiasts can support the preservation of these machines by visiting the museum or volunteering their time to assist with ongoing repairs.