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OXO Video Game Museum Malaga: Rediscover the 80s and 90s

By HeidiPublished Updated

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OXO Video Game Museum Malaga: Rediscover the 80s and 90s

After living in Spain for years, this is the advice I always give to visiting friends.

Playing retro video games might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to Malaga. But the OXO Video Game Museum is well worth a stop.

It's part museum, part arcade, and full of playable classics across five floors in the heart of the old town, right next to the cathedral. Over 500 original consoles and arcade machines are on display, and you can play almost all of them.

Whether you're a gamer, feeling nostalgic, or just need to keep the kids entertained, this is one of the best indoor activities in the city. It's also one of the top picks on our list of things to do in Malaga, and a lifesaver if you catch one of Malaga's rare rainy days.

About the OXO Museum in Malaga

OXO museum malaga entrance

The museum takes its name from OXO, one of the first video games ever created, a digital version of tic-tac-toe built in 1952.

From the street, it might look like a small shop. But step inside and you'll find five floors and 2,000 square metres packed with interactive exhibits, retro consoles, and gaming memorabilia. It opened in January 2023 and quickly became one of the standout museums in Malaga.

When you're done button-mashing, head up to the rooftop restaurant, Terraza Catedral. It's surprisingly good, with panoramic views over the cathedral and the city.

What to expect inside

It's clear a lot of love went into OXO. This isn't just a museum, it's an experience from the moment you step inside.

Your visit kicks off with a fully immersive 3D intro (no spoilers here), where projectors and surround sound pull you into a different world before you even hit the first exhibit. It's the first permanent immersive room of its kind in Andalusia.

On the ground floor, you'll find some of the earliest games ever made, still running on original hardware. Think Atari-era classics that you can actually play.

Climb the stairs, and you'll travel through gaming history. Arcade machines, retro consoles, flight simulators, and even a custom 3D globe where you can play Pac-Man by physically walking around it. The permanent collection covers 70 years of gaming history, and the world's biggest video game companies are all represented.

My personal favourite is the flight simulator. It's almost impossible to master, and you could spend hours there trying to get the hang of it.

OXO museum malaga interior

At the top, there's an incredible rooftop restaurant with a full menu and views over the city. It's perfect for parents who want to relax while the kids play a little longer, and it's one of the lesser-known rooftop bars in Malaga. Well worth sticking around for.

Tickets, prices, and opening hours

Tickets to OXO cost around €15 for adults and give you full access to all five floors for two hours. Kids under 13 pay €12, seniors over 65 get a discount, and children under 5 go free. There's also a family pack for two adults and two children.

Standard opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 19:00. During high season and holidays, the museum extends its hours to 11:00 to 22:00. It's always worth checking the official OXO website for the latest schedule.

Two hours is plenty to take it all in, and it never feels rushed. No one's hovering or hurrying you along. It's just you and a treasure trove of retro gaming gear, free to explore and play at your own pace.

Is OXO Museum Malaga good for kids?

OXO museum malaga

Yes, and it's one of the best family-friendly attractions in the city. Everything is hands-on, so kids aren't just looking at exhibits behind glass. They're playing them. The consoles span generations, so younger children can try modern games while parents relive their childhood favourites.

The rooftop restaurant is a bonus for families. Parents can sit with a coffee and a view while kids squeeze in a few more rounds downstairs. It's a comfortable setup that doesn't feel rushed or chaotic.

If you're visiting Malaga with children, it pairs well with the other ideas in our Malaga with kids guide.

What to do near OXO Museum

OXO sits in the heart of Malaga Old Town, so there's plenty within walking distance. The cathedral is right next door, and from there you can stroll to the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum, or down to the port.

If it's a rainy day, the surrounding streets are full of options. We've covered the best in our guide to what to do in Malaga when it rains. And if you're trying to keep costs down, many of Malaga's museums offer free entry on Sundays, which we cover in free things to do in Malaga.

For food afterwards, the old town has no shortage of places. Our Malaga tapas guide covers the best spots nearby.

Is OXO Museum Malaga worth visiting?

Absolutely. Don't be fooled by its modest exterior. OXO packs in five floors of interactive gaming history, a 3D immersive intro, and a rooftop restaurant with cathedral views. For €15, it's hard to beat.

It's a genuine highlight whether you're a gamer, a nostalgia lover, or a family looking for something different. I've taken friends here who had zero interest in video games, and they all stayed the full two hours.

Looking for more ideas? Check out the full list of things to do in Malaga or browse the best hidden gems in Malaga.

Heidi

Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com

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