radiant fracture

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/neon-retro-arcade

Mark Guenther and Mia Mazadiego met in college, back when Mark had a pinball machine in his dorm room that he invited Mia over to play. The couple continued collecting and restoring dozens of classic games over the years until 2015, when they decided to open Neon Retro Arcade: an homage to the arcade’s heyday in the heart of Old Pasadena.

This colorful venue, with a light-up interior befitting its name, might be a little slicker and less sticky than an arcade from back in the good old days, but the games are just how you remember them. The owners’ goal has been to introduce classic arcade games to a new generation that perhaps is more familiar with Minecraft than Street Fighter. The popular arcade has certainly accomplished that: in part because of their strategy of including some modern games to get kids in the zone before moving on to the real good retro stuff. 

No tokens or quarters are needed: a single ticket gives you access to free-play mode on every machine, including popular titles like Donkey Kong, Asteroids, Ms. Pac-Man, and The Simpsons, and a selection of pinball games including new releases like Jaws and The Mandalorian. New games are rotated in regularly from the owners’ collection, so each visit can give you a chance to play something different. 

One hour of play is $15, but it’s only $25 for the whole day, including in-and-out privileges. Though Neon does not offer party packages, if you’ve got a big group, you can reserve 2 hours of game time at a discounted rate, and then light the candles and enjoy a meal at one of the many excellent dining options nearby.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/neon-retro-arcade

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/villa-stenersen

This striking villa, completed by renowned architect Arne Korsmo in 1939, is one of the most important works in the functionalist style in Norway. The house was built for Rolf Stenersen, a businessman, olympic athlete, author, codebreaker and longtime friend of Edvard Munch - Munch actually painted works specifically for this villa (today copies hang in their place).

The outbreak of WW2 forced Stenersen to flee to Sweden, and he was not able to return to his house until the end of the war. In 1974 he donated his house to the state, intending it to become an official residence for the government. In fact, one prime minister, Oddvar Nordli, did occupy the house for a while. Later the house was the residence of the Stoltenbergs, during which time Nelson Mandela was a guest. The house was eventually restored, and opened as a museum. Today free tours are arranged during the summer (an audioguide is available). 

The house is a key example of the functionalist style, and is recognized as a member of the Iconic Houses Network. Le Corbusier was a key source of inspiration for Korsmo. The house has many interesting features. For instance, the stairwell has a skylight made from 625 purple conical shaped pieces of glass, creating a dazzling effect. The garage is arc shaped such that it is not necessary to reverse when parking - Stenersen was supposedly not a fan of driving. Original statues dot the garden, and some original furniture designed by Korsmo remains in the house. 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/villa-stenersen