Experiencing classic games on former East German console systems at the interactive exhibit titled "Play with!"
The Halle City Museum is set to take visitors on a nostalgic journey with its upcoming event, "Gaming like in the 80s - Digital games in the GDR", taking place on July 19, 2025, from 2 to 5 PM. This unique exhibition delves into the early days of digital gaming in East Germany, providing a captivating insight into the rudimentary yet creative technology that shaped the gaming landscape of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
One of the highlights of this exhibition is the Screen Game 01, the only game console produced in the GDR. With only 1,000 pieces ever produced, this rare exhibit offers a glimpse into the domestic gaming industry of the time. Games like tennis, football, squash, and pelota can be played on this historical console, offering a hands-on experience of the past.
Another significant exhibit is the Poly-Play arcade machine, the only arcade machine produced in the GDR. This machine, widespread in public places like youth clubs, holiday homes, and cultural centers, symbolises East Germany’s unique approach to gaming technology under the socialist system.
The exhibition is not just about the games themselves but also the cultural and technological conditions in which digital gaming developed in the GDR. Visitors can learn about the context in which these games were presented, perceived, and integrated into everyday entertainment during that period.
The "Play with!" exhibition, which is part of the event, continues to be on display until January 11, 2026. During this period, visitors can interact with historical game consoles, including the Screen Game 01 and the Poly-Play arcade machine, as well as other electronic GDR game devices.
Admission to the museum remains at 5 Euro, with a reduced rate of 3 Euro. Children and youth under 14 years continue to have free admission, making this event an enjoyable outing for families. The Halle City Museum at Große Markstraße 10 will be open to visitors only on July 19 and 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
For more specific details such as exhibition dates, curatorial narratives, or visitor information, it is advisable to refer directly to the Halle City Museum’s official communication channels or exhibition catalogues. This event promises to be a fascinating exploration of gaming history tied to East Germany’s sociopolitical environment and technological landscape in the 1980s.
In addition to the retro gaming exhibition, visitors can also experience interactive sessions with historical gadgets at the "Play with!" event, which runs until January 11, 2026. Notably, this includes playing games on the rare Screen Game 01 console and the Poly-Play arcade machine, both unique to East Germany and symbolizing the country's distinctive approach to technology and entertainment during the 1980s.
