The Museology of Computergames—An interview with the curator of the Computerspiele Museum, Andreas Lange, and art historian and archivist Dr. Winfried Bergmeyer, Berlin.

Abstract

Germany may be the second largest market for videogames in Europe after Britain, but its recognition of the cultural impact of computer games is rather unique.  The first videogame museum in the world, the Computerspiele museum in Berlin is thriving on the German state’s support of non-profit initiatives dedicated to develop digital media literacy. Since the museum’s founding in 1997, its activities have been steadily branching out from the initial goal of providing an educational venue focused on computer game culture.  At its cramped office space in the Marchlewskistr. 27, the museum hosts Europe's largest collection of entertainment software and hardware. The archives also contain a collection of publications.  Its exhibitions range in scope with of late a focus on exhibiting the work of artists using videogames as an artistic medium. The museum is also involved in research related to digital media archiving and preservation.  My visit took place on the eve of the upcoming move to larger quarters that presume a permanent exhibition, a public library, and facilities for academic research.