The ARTCADE is open Thursday - Sunday, 2pm-10pm; $10-30 sliding scale per human over age 3.
We are closed Monday - Wednesday. Beep Boop!
Monkey C Interactive's "Artcade” is an interactive art show that inspires delight and wonder in explorers of all ages. It is a world of creativity for creativity’s sake that encourages guests to flick switches, press buttons and explore the array of wild sounds, pulsating music and blinking lights on a variety of tech-retrofitted-vintage-interactive-art-machines.
The Artcade is a bigger, better, bleepier interactive art show that expands upon Magnificent Musical Mutant Machines, a favourite of the 2024 Victoria Winter Arts Festival, which ran for a few weeks in the winter of 2024.
Showcasing sounds and sculptural installations from local composers, DJs, and artists, while also providing their own boops and beeps, Monkey C’s Artcade is a living exhibition - new machines, creative evolutions and mutations will be added over time. Follow our socials to see it grow.
A fun and delightful experience for all ages, an art-exhibit that’s intended to be played with. Rediscover wonder, embrace the unexpected. Play with Strangers. Beep Boop!
ARTCADE IN THE NEWS
‘Sidewalking Victoria’, local blog by Thomas Guerrero, posted Nov 2 2024: Victoria’s Alternative Attractions - Monkey C Interactive’s Artcade, “The main thing is that the Artcade envelops your touch, sight and hearing completely and because of that you kind of forget that you are in a retail space off of Fort Street.“
CBC Radio’s show ‘All Points West’ with Jason D'Souza, aired Oct 8 2024: New interactive art space in downtown Victoria brings art and science together. At Monkey C Interactive's "Artcade” art and science collide in an interactive experience. Moronke Harris, the founder of The Imaginative Scientist and a science communicator, took a tour with Jason D'Souza.
Absolute Underground, Issue 120, published Oct-Nov 2024, The ARTcade Interview with Monkey C Interactive by Aeryn Shrapnel, pg 47.
91.3 FM The Zone’s radio show “Bud’s #WeeklyGeekOut” with webmeister Bud, aired June 5 2024: Monkey C Interactive Artcade. the Monkey C Interactive Artcade (from the people who brought you the interactive railings at Bastion Square) is now open downtown for all of your mutant music machine amusement. =) webmeister Bud
See what visitors are saying on Google Reviews
“Absolutely amazing - we loved it on so many levels!” -EP
“…A great visual and sound experience for me and my 10 years old son. If you love electronic music and want to become a dj in a colourful universe you will get your fix. .. I am looking forward to the next setup since the charming person at the counter told me they are to expand with more! - LPD
“…like wandering into an alien playground” -KB
“…. a monumental leap forward in the revival of retro arcade culture… Each of their creations inspire a blend of vintage machinery, calming ambient lighting, and funky interactive audio. With a suggested donation of $10-$30, I found the experience to be worth far more than that.” - EB
“Very cool experience - good for all ages!” - HH
“Excellent decontamination services. I was rid of my personal infestation shortly upon arrival and after being delighted by the sights and sounds of the Artcade I left feeling.... Clean. Finally.” -ME
Plan Your Visit
Open Thursday - Sunday; 2pm-10pm.
We are closed Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and some holidays. Check our Google profile for closures.
We are located at 706 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. (btwn Douglas & Blanshard)
All persons entering the ARTCADE are required to receive an “anti-radiation pin”, available at our front desk.
Entry is a $10-30 sliding scale per human over age 3
Why sliding scale? The ARTCADE is a for-profit business run by the artists, it is not grant supported. The $10 minimum allows us to “keep the lights on” and gives guests with limited budgets an opportunity to experience the ARTCADE, however we can not grow or thrive with this minimal income. Therefore we offer guests who have the ways and means, and are inspired to, an opportunity to donate more. Will we accept more than $30? Absolutely. Every guest is valued and all have access to the same experience. Thank you very much.
The ARTCADE is located on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən people. We acknowledge and respect the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. Learn more about the lək̓ʷəŋən people here.
F.A.Q
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No, we are not a bar or restaurant.
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The ARTCADE is an all-ages experience.
The mutant machines are built for adults but children of all ages (toddlers - teens) love them as well. Small children may need adult assistance to access features, and we ask adult guardians to ensure their minors do not treat the art as a playground. The machines are well built but not jungle gyms.
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Reservations are not necessary.
The ARTCADE does have an occupancy limit and if we are at capacity we will ask guests to wait. If you have more than 20 guests or want to ensure a timed entry please email us in advance monkeyc.artcade@gmail.com.
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All persons entering the ARTCADE are required to receive an “*anti-radiation pin”, available at our front desk, before passing through our Decontamination Portal, and we recommend comfortable shoes.
*anti-radiation" pins are in theme only - this is art, not science. There is no actual radiation.
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Absolutely! For private parties, work events, school groups, church gatherings or whatever, or to book a visit for groups over 20, please email us monkeyc.artcade@gmail.com to discuss.
Support the Artcade Online!
Give the gift of the ARTCADE online with Square
Support the Artcade IRL!
We’re proud to stock a limited supply of Denver Jackson’s ‘The Art of The Worlds Divide’, a book showcasing the art of his feature length animated film of the same name. Learn more about the film here.
Gift Cards!
One gift pass gives two humans free entry upon redemption (terms below). Purchase at the Artcade.
Terms & Conditions: Treat this gift card like cash. This is not a credit/debit card and has no implied warranties. This card is redeemable only at the Artcade for general admission for two humans entering together. This card is not redeemable at ticket resellers, for cash or refund. The Artcade is not responsible for unauthorized use, lost or stolen cards. This card has no expiration date and a one-time use. We may change terms and conditions at any time, for funsies or because the law requires us to. Purchase or use of a gift card represents the acceptance of these terms and conditions.
