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 Former Playland carousel housed near Zeum, Yerba Buena Gardens. Detail I Detail II Detail III |
It really doesn't matter
whether you're 5 or 105, the fun collection of mechanical games and toys
at Musee Mecanique is 100% sure to please.
The decidedly low tech arcade is among the last remnants of Playland
at the Beach, San Francisco's long gone oceanfront amusement park, along
with the former Playland carousel at Zeum, Camera
Obscura, the Doggie Dinner mascot
on Sloat Blvd., and the It's-It bar. Some
of Musee Mecanique's quirky machines are enough to make a grown man giddy.
The mop topped and always happy Laughing Sal, who delighted teenage sweethearts
and children of all ages for more than 50 years at Playland, lords over
the entire loony collection. All kidding aside, when you see Laughing Sal
start to giggle, gyrate, and guffaw it's impossible to be in a bad mood.
The museum is free except for all the quarters you'll use here. Astonishingly,
the machines are maintained in perfect working order! Musee Mecanique is
located in the lower level of the Cliff House
near Ocean Beach.
(Musee
Macanique is being housed at Pier 45 through 2004 while the Cliff House
undergoes remodeling.)
Laughing
Sal I |
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Copyright 2001 Hank Donat |