deutsches automatenmuseum - sammlung gauselmann

Slot machine, pinball and Wurlitzer jukebox are the machines one would expect to be present in a collection of coin-operated machines. And yes, you will find several of these in the Deutsches Automaten Museum in Espelkamp. What makes this private collection unique is that is also gives the visitor an insight in the ever changing demands of cultural society by means of a thematic ordering of coin-operated machines.In 7 different parts (jukeboxes, pinball machines, mechanical music machines, gambling machines and amusement machines with prizes, amusement machines, skill game machines, vending and service machines) the visitor can admire about 200 unique historical exhibits, only a small part of the entire collection. Each of them with a dual language sign (German and English) explaining name, date and function. An egg vending machine, an elephant that measures muscle power, a machine with a twin baby doll competing which of them first finishes drinking his milk and a one penny machine showing a nudist colony are just a few of the remarkable machines most of us probably never heard of before. Although it is not allowed to operate the machines, some of them are almost 100 years old, one can imagine the curious crowds surrounding them in earlier days. As we visited this museum in February 2015 there were only a few visitors, yet a very friendly lady gave a demo of the unique “1957 Decap Robot Band”, a pneumatically operated band of three robots playing drums, sax and accordion. Surely one of the highlights of the collection. We even got the chance to have a peek into the back side of this interesting Belgian music machine.If you happen to be in the region this museum in Espelkamp (about half way in between of Osnabrück and Minden) is worthwhile a visit. Take into account about one hour to have a look at the collection. Wheelchair accessible.