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Most museums you’ll visit are extremely hands-off - and for good reason.
So when museums take a look-but-don’t-touch approach, that’s why.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
The UK’s National Video Game Museum isn’t like that.
In fact, it’s arguably as important as the games and technology.
How many controllers in this collection need repairing, and how often?
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
How many of the displayed consoles need regular cleaning and maintenance?
Should we even be touching any of this storied memorabilia without pristine white gloves on?
The hands-on approach this museum takes is incredible, but it must make hardware preservation an absolute nightmare.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
Of course, not everything in the exhibition hall can be played with.
There are a number of glass cabinets housing the finer points of the collection.
There are even a few cabinets that made my collection of thebest PC controllerslook amateur.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
John tells me these are kept under lock and key except for special collection open days.
The team even has to limit light exposure for some of these things to preserve their original appearance.
Still, it’s nice to see that the NVM understands that gaming has always been a social activity.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
A digital-only future seems a daunting prospect for a heritage site like this.
The site is undergoingits Accreditation process, which essentially ensures that museums are properly run for the long term.
In more general heritage terms, it gives the museum an official seal of approval.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
Like all museums, the collection Sheffield’s museum has is much bigger than the exhibition floor allows for.
Like any museum, balancing those costs as a non-profit requires help from donors.
More than anything else though, John says that the best way to support the site is by visiting.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
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