What Space Game Milwaukee Is
Space Game Milwaukee brings together the Space Game Monument, an outdoor public artwork, and an entertainment venue with arcade games, virtual reality missions, escape rooms, and planetarium shows. The monument celebrates Milwaukee’s industrial heritage and digital future, while the venue offers immersive entertainment, educational activities, and community events.
The monument is in a public plaza and is free to visit. The indoor venue is centrally located and accessible by car, public transit, and bike. Learn more through the City of Milwaukee Official Tourism website and the Space Game Milwaukee Official Website.
History
Erected in 2018, the Space Game Monument was commissioned by the Milwaukee Arts Commission and local tech organizations. Inspired by classic space-themed video games, its design represents Milwaukee’s role in digital entertainment and technological advancement. It also connects the city’s industrial roots with its digital future and serves as a focal point for tech festivals, gaming conventions, and community gatherings.
What to See and Do
Space Game Monument
The monument is a popular photography spot. Guided walking tours often include it, sharing insights into Milwaukee’s tech history and offering photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Entertainment Venue
The venue’s attractions include:
- Virtual reality space missions Simulated journeys to the ISS or Mars.
- Cosmic escape rooms Puzzles in immersive, space-themed settings.
- Planetarium shows Presentations about astronomy and space science.
- Rotating art installations Local artists combine cosmic themes with Milwaukee’s artistic legacy.
- Retro arcade games Classic cabinets featuring Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, and more.
- Modern and indie games Contemporary titles inspired by retro mechanics.
- Multiplayer and competitive play Leaderboards, tournaments, and daily challenges.
The venue also hosts STEM workshops, trivia nights, themed parties, science fairs, cultural festivals, and workshops. Arcade events include “80s Night,” “Space Invaders Anniversary,” and workshops on game design and history. Regular community activities include meetups, charity events, and educational partnerships.
Practical Visiting Information
Location, Access, and Hours
The monument is outdoors and accessible year-round at any time. Its best viewing hours are between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. It has wheelchair-friendly pathways, nearby seating, and public restrooms and information kiosks within a short walk. Parking is available in nearby lots and on surrounding streets.
The indoor venue has adjacent parking lots and garages, with rates between $2–$10/day. Its hours are listed in several schedules:
- Venue schedule Monday–Thursday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; Friday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM.
- Sensory-friendly hour Wednesday, 10:00–11:00 AM.
- Retro arcade schedule Monday–Thursday, 12 PM–10 PM; Friday–Saturday, 12 PM–12 AM; Sunday, 12 PM–8 PM. Extended hours apply for special events.
- Typical hours 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. on weekdays; weekends may extend to midnight for events.
Confirm current details on the official event calendar or the official events page.
Tickets, Booking, and Discounts
The venue’s listed admission options include:
- Virtual reality missions: $20/session
- Escape rooms: $25/person
- Planetarium: $15/ticket
- Combo pass: $50 for all-day access
- General admission: $12–$25/person, depending on experience
- Retro arcade flat fee for unlimited play:
- Adults: $15
- Children (6–12): $10
- Seniors/Students: $12
- Under 6: Free
Discounts are listed for students, seniors, families, and Milwaukee residents. Other special offers include citywide promotions, such as Milwaukee Day discounts, and student, senior, and military rates. Group rates and guided tours are available. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue; advance booking is recommended during festivals. For tickets and bookings, see the Space Game Milwaukee Tickets page.
Accessibility, Amenities, and Safety
The venue is described as wheelchair accessible and fully ADA-compliant, with step-free access and accessible restrooms. It offers sensory-friendly programming, multilingual materials, and activities for children and adults. Most experiences are suitable for guests with mobility needs; advance notice for special accommodations is encouraged. Age recommendations and group sizes vary by activity.
Amenities include a snack bar, craft beer and cocktails for guests 21+, accessible restrooms, lockers, a merchandise shop, and lounge areas. Safety measures include emergency exits, staff assistance, frequent sanitization, and hand sanitizer stations. COVID-19 measures include regular sanitization, capacity limits, and mask policies as needed.
Tips
- Check the official tourism website for special events or temporary installations, and confirm hours and discounts through official websites.
- Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are less crowded at the monument. For the arcade, weekdays or early afternoons are suggested for fewer crowds.
- The monument is outdoors, so dress accordingly.
- Parental supervision is recommended for children during peak arcade hours.
- Use the Milwaukee Streetcar (“The Hop”) for easy downtown access. Public transit or ride-sharing is suggested for major events.
- Book tickets early, especially for weekends and special events.
- Pair a visit with other Milwaukee landmarks, museums, or dining.
- Follow Space Game and Milwaukee Tourism on social media for updates.
- The guide also suggests downloading the Audiala app for audio tours and exclusive content.
Nearby Places
Nearby attractions include the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World, RiverWalk, and Historic Third Ward. Local dining and shopping districts are also nearby. Guided walking tours may include the monument.
Additional visitor information is available from Visit Milwaukee, Insider Fandom, the Milwaukee Mag Itinerary, and Insider Fandom Dining.
FAQ
Is there a fee to visit the Space Game Monument?
No. It is free and open to the public.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local operators include the monument in city tours, and guided tours of the venue can be booked through its website.
Can I take photos at the monument?
Yes. It is a popular photography spot.
Is the monument accessible?
Yes. It is described as fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. It is described as fully ADA-compliant, with wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.
Where can I buy venue tickets?
Online or at the venue.
Are there discounts?
Yes. Discounts are listed for students, seniors, families, and residents; special offers also include student, senior, and military rates.
What COVID-19 measures are in place?
Regular sanitization, capacity limits, and mask policies as needed.
