Do you remember the thrill of the first notes of Zelda,Final Fantasy, or the iconic rhythm ofPac-Man andMario? That's what thePhilharmonie de Paris offers withthe Video Games & Musicexhibition, open from April 2 to November 8, 2026. An exhibition for all those for whom video game music instantly brings back memories of epic adventures and frenzied gaming sessions.
Designed as a sensory journey, it traces the evolution of video game music, from the minimalist sounds imposed by early technologies to the orchestral soundtracks that now fill the largest concert halls. It's a whole story to discover through playable games, interactive installations, and multiple audio-visual devices. From Pong to League of Legends, a whole musical odyssey awaits you! The exhibition also shows how these compositions, born of strict technical constraints, have gradually given rise to a universal sound language, capable of touching all generations and transcending cultural boundaries.
The exhibition also brings together around twenty playable games, presented alongside consoles, artwork, instruments, and audiovisual archives, allowing visitors to see firsthand how technology has shaped musical creation in video games. It's an opportunity to understand how these iconic melodies, now shared by more than three billion players, have established themselves as a true global musical heritage.
The exhibition takes you back to the research laboratories of the 1960s, where the first sound experiments in video games were born. At that time, the limitations of sound chips imposed raw creativity, which forged a unique aesthetic that has since become cult. Over the decades, game music has broken free from these technical constraints to become a field of artistic exploration in its own right. It is also a journey that shows how playing becomes a way of composing: the instrument, here, is the player, whose actions influence the moods, rhythms, and sound textures.
One ofthe exhibition's central themes is the interactive dimension of video game sound: the player becomes, in a way, the musician, influencing the rhythm, textures, and soundscapes with each action. This immersive approach redefines your relationship with listening, creation, and even sound memory. By highlighting the emotional and narrative impact of music, the exhibition also emphasizes how these sound memories have been part of our collective heritage since the 1980s.
Whether you're a fan of 1980s arcades, a Just Dance enthusiast, or curious about immersive experiences like the one offered in Omikron with David Bowie, each room in the exhibition is designed to let you experience music with your body as well as your ears. Motion sensors, collaborative music games, and sensory installations invite visitors to engage in a true sound choreography. The diversity of the worlds presented illustrates the extraordinary visual and musical richness of the video game medium, which has become a privileged field of experimentation for composers.
At the same time, the big names in contemporary music—from Jean-Michel Jarre to Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, and the Wu-Tang Clan— are honored to show how the language of video games has infiltrated the global music scene. Not to mention the spaces dedicated to the demoscene and chiptune, which extend the 8-bit aesthetic into a universe that is both retro and futuristic. It's a way of illustrating how video game culture interacts with major artistic trends today.
Looking for a cultural outing in Paris during the school holidays, or an original idea for a weekend with friends? The Video Games & Music exhibition has something for everyone: nostalgic parents, passionate gamers, curious visitors, and music-loving explorers will all find something to marvel at, experience, and share. Accessible to children and adults, gamers and non-gamers alike, it offers an intuitive discovery based on emotion, interactivity, and the joy of playing.
And if you enjoy new experiences that combine art, history, technology, and popular culture, then this exhibition is for you. Get ready to rediscovervideo games through the prism of sound and become the musical hero of this unique adventure! A true immersion in a medium that has become universal, now enjoyed by more than three billion players around the world.
Dates and Opening Time
From April 2, 2026 to November 8, 2026
Location
Philharmonie de Paris
221 Avenue Jean Jaurès
75019 Paris 19
Access
Metro line 5 "Porte de Pantin" station
Official website
philharmoniedeparis.fr
More information
Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 7pm, Friday, 12pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 7pm. During school vacations (zone C): Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm (7pm during summer vacations). Closed on May 1st, December 25th and January 1st.
