Arca Arcade: Round One Turns Arcade Machines Into Art In Melbourne

Arcade machines are being transformed into artwork in Arca Arcade: Round One, a new Melbourne exhibition now open at Carlisle Street Arts Space in St Kilda.

Created by Māori designer and artist Preston McNeil, the exhibition features a collection of handcrafted, fully playable arcade cabinets designed to be viewed as artworks as much as gaming machines.

“Even if they have no connection to arcade games, I want them to see the cabinets as beautifully crafted contemporary objects first, and gaming machines second,” McNeil said.

The handcrafted machines include details such as pounamu — New Zealand greenstone — joystick ball tops created by stone artist and jeweller Joe Sheehan.

“People remember chasing a high score, spending time with friends or discovering a place where they felt they belonged,” he said. “For some, the arcade was a refuge.”

Arca Arcade: Round One is running at Carlisle Street Arts Space in St Kilda until October 31, 2026.

The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am until 5 pm, with free entry.