Why the National Videogame Museum is a must-visit this summer.

Sheffield has long been a city of makers, creators, and innovators, and nowhere is that spirit more alive than at the National Videogame Museum (NVM). Right in the heart of the city lies a hidden treasure trove where the past, present, and future of gaming come to life at the UK’s only museum dedicated to videogames. 

But don’t let the word ‘museum’ fool you. Unlike a traditional museum, this isn’t a place where you simply look at things behind glass. It’s a place where you can play, create, and discover. Part arcade, part museum, and part creative playground.

Located in the iconic Castle House, the museum is a fun and fascinating place for all ages. Inside, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of over 5,000 videogame objects and over 1,000 playable games. Visitors can play their way through decades of gaming history, from pixelated pioneers to modern masterpieces, and discover the stories behind them. 

This summer: Make It! Play It!

This summer, the NVM invites you to step behind the screen with its brand-new exhibition: Make It! Play It! 

From 3D models and pixel art to clay, embroidery, and sound effects, you’ll discover all the creative ways games come to life.

In partnership with the LEGO Group, you can explore 30 years of LEGO videogames, through a colourful mix of playable classics and rarely seen objects from both the museum’s collection and the LEGO Group’s own archive.

And you’ll gain early access to Platypus Reclayed, a new claymation game from South Yorkshire’s Claymatic studio – available exclusively at the museum before its official release.

Who is this for?

Make It! Play It! is perfect for aspiring game developers, curious players, families, and anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to bring a game to life. It’s accessible, inspiring, and packed with opportunities to learn, play, and create. So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone who’s never picked up a controller, there’s something here for you. 

Get creative: free activities all summer

When you buy a ticket to the NVM, you’re not just gaining access to an incredible collection of playable games and exhibitions – you’re also unlocking free entry to creative activities.. 

Throughout summer, visitors can try their hand at game-making techniques such as sculpting clay characters, building scenes with LEGO, experimenting with embroidery, or animating your own short sequence. You’ll discover how craft and creativity come together to create some of the world’s most imaginative videogames.

Why should people visit?

As well as experiencing the new summer exhibition, you can enjoy the museum’s expansive collection of videogame history. 

From early prototypes and rare consoles to iconic favourites like Sonic, Nintendo, and retro hits like Donkey Kong and Space Invaders, every item tells a story. Whether you’re reliving your gaming past or discovering the future of play, the museum offers a unique chance to see how games have evolved and shaped our culture. 

Find out more at www.nvm.org

About the National Videogame Museum
• The NVM is a charity that uses the power of games to transform lives. It works with schools, families, and underserved communities to make gaming accessible and educational. 
• The NVM believes that games are more than just entertainment — they’re a powerful form of expression, creativity, and connection. The NVM brings that to life in a way that’s fun, engaging, and totally unique. 
• Make It! Play It! launches on
24 July with fun activities until
1 September 2025.
• Any ticket purchased for the summer period can be used to visit the Museum again for free. Any time. Until Monday
1 September (T&Cs apply).