From arcades to symphony stages, video game music has gradually changed in status. An exhibition at the Philharmonie de Paris, running from February 2 to November 1, 2026, traces its evolution and contemporary uses.

 

 

For the first time, an exhibition traces the fascinating history of the links between music and video games, from the 8-bit era to symphony orchestras.

 

Over the past half-century, video game music has established itself as a global phenomenon.

An integral part of the lives of several generations, it accompanies everything from personal stories to collective adventures.

Long confined to a few functional beeps, video game music – or VGM – has grown alongside technology to become a vibrant, demanding and inventive creative field. It brings together the symphony orchestra and the most experimental electronic music, explores every musical genre and embodies a unique form: that of music which is not merely meant to be listened to, but which is played, experimented with and experienced.

The performer becomes the catalyst, the actor, the musician.

 

Inspired by the structure of video games, the exhibition unfolds like an open world, inviting each visitor to choose their own path through a dynamic landscape blending sound, music and play.

 

The space is organised into several themes, each featuring interactive modules and stations. Around twenty playable games are spread throughout a route enriched with artworks, consoles, instruments, photographs and audiovisual content.

 

Welcome to the exhibition where you are the hero.

 

 

Opening dates and times :

During school vacation (Zone C) — From Tuesday, July 7, through Sunday, August 30, inclusive:
Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Outside of school breaks:
Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Admission: 

Full price: €15

Reduced rate 1: €11 (Subscribers and holders of a Philharmonie de Paris concert ticket for the current season, groups of 10 or more, music school teachers, young people ages 18 through 28, and holders of the Education Pass)

Reduced Rate 2: €9 (Youth under 18, job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits)

Reduced Rate 3: €6 (Children under 12)

 

 

How to get to the Philharmonie de Paris from the Hotel Jardin Le Brea?

Philharmonie de Paris - 221 Avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019 Paris

- From the Hotel Jardin Le Bréa, take Metro Line 4 at Vavin (1-minute walk), toward Porte de Clignancourt; get off at Gare de l’Est station, then transfer to Metro Line 5, toward Bobigny - Take the metro to Porte de Pantin and walk 5 minutes to reach the Philharmonie de Paris.

The total travel time from our hotel to the Philharmonie de Paris is approximately 40 minutes.

 

 

Practical Information

https://philharmoniedeparis.fr/en/activite/28822

 

Video Games & Music © Joachim Bertrand