After more than 20 years of fighting for the recognition of France’s video game heritage, the MO5.COM association has reached a historic milestone. The National Video Game Museum will open its doors in Arcueil (94) in December 2025, finally giving France a permanent space dedicated to the memory of video games, from the 1950s to today.

The announcement was made official during Paris Games Week, marking the achievement of a dream carried since 2003 by the MO5.COM association, recognized as being of public interest. The museum will offer, from its opening (planned between December 5 and 15), a 1,200 m² space located near the Laplace RER B station, able to welcome up to 200 visitors simultaneously. This area will evolve over time to match the project’s growing ambitions.

Authentic, playable machines in free access

What makes this museum stand out is its truly participatory approach. No more showcases you can only look at: here, the microcomputers, legendary consoles, and arcade cabinets are authentic and fully playable. From the Thomson MO5 that gave its name to the association to modern consoles, and through mythical arcade machines, every visitor will be able to relive the history of video games, controller in hand.

The museum will be open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and every day during school holidays. Other days will be reserved for groups by registration (schools, companies, associations). Admission will cost less than 10 euros, with free access for association members and partners. A Tipeee membership grants unlimited access to the museum.

Much more than an exhibition

Beyond the exhibition space, the museum will feature a 200 m² workshop dedicated to preservation and research, as well as another for maintenance and diagnostics. The latter will allow the public to have their retro machines repaired according to a predefined list, meeting a real need among collectors facing the breakdown of their old equipment.

A dining area will complete the experience, encouraging discussions among visitors. The site will also host conferences and international meetings, building on the network MO5 has developed over more than 15 years with institutions around the world. The association aims for the prestigious "Musée de France" label, which would ensure optimal protection for the collection and make inter-museum loans easier.

A mobilized ecosystem and video game legends

The project enjoys impressive support. Among its partners: James Game Center (arcade expertise), Pix’n Love Publishing (which will release a dedicated book), AFJV, ISART Digital, Les Numériques (present at the opening), The Digital Lounge, Pastagames, OrdiRetro, Retro Gaming Connexion, and all members of the EFGAMP (European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects), co-founded by MO5 in 2013.

The museum also has the support of iconic figures among its honorary members: Alexey Pajitnov (creator of Tetris), Éric Chahi (Another World), Jordan Mechner (Prince of Persia), Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear), Paul Cuisset (Flashback), Philippe Ulrich (Captain Blood), and Daniel Macré (Vroom). These legends will hold conferences and master classes, bringing international legitimacy to the project.

How to support the project

To join this adventure, you can become a member of MO5.COM via Tipeee, contribute your time and skills, share your knowledge, or simply spread the word. Every bit of support helps bring this unique place in France to life.

The museum will soon have its own website for ticketing, reservations, and practical information. In the meantime, you can follow updates on mo5.com or join the community’s Discord server.

A fun detail for nostalgic visitors: the famous Jeulin turtle, the association’s mascot (a reference to the LOGO turtle from Thomson computers), will be seen roaming the museum. This opening marks a historic step in recognizing video games as cultural heritage in France, offering a lasting space to discover, share, and preserve the memory of a medium that has shaped generations.

Sources: MO5 / Rom-Game