The City of Irvine and Irvine-based company Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. invite the community to experience Journey Through the Maze: 45 Years of PAC-MAN, a special exhibition running May 18 through September 28 at Great Park Gallery. The exhibition kicks off with a free, opening reception Sunday, May 18, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Originally released in 1980, PAC-MAN™ quickly became one of the most recognizable and beloved video games of all time. Featuring artwork and memorabilia from PAC-MAN creator Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and more than 50 professional artists from around the world, this exhibition celebrates PAC-MAN’s global influence and enduring popularity, offering a deep dive into its design, cultural footprint, and place in the history of gaming.

Discover original arcade cabinets and classic gameplay experiences, rare memorabilia from the early days of PAC-MAN, behind-the-scenes stories about the game’s creation and evolution, and interactive displays that explore how PAC-MAN helped shape the video game industry.

Guests can also complement their visit to the exhibition with free, all-ages art activities. All activities are drop-in with no advanced registration required; materials will be provided.

PAC-MAN Pixel Drawing and Collage | Sunday, May 18, 1–3 p.m.

• Create pixel-perfect artworks inspired by the iconic PAC-MAN arcade game and learn how original creator Toru Iwatani’s clever use of pixels brought PAC-MAN to life, turning simple shapes into one of the most recognizable characters in gaming history.

PAC-MAN Fingerboarding Experience with Slushcult | Saturday, July 12, 1–3 p.m.

• Step into the world of PAC-MAN like never before at this one-of-a-kind event that brings the iconic arcade classic to life through the thrill of fingerboarding. Dive into PAC-MAN's rich gaming history and cultural legacy while getting hands-on with custom mini-skate parks. Experience the energy and creativity that PAC-MAN and Slushcult have infused into both gaming and street culture. Attendees can receive a free, exclusive, limited-edition PAC-MAN-themed fingerboard — available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Gaming Through the Ages: A Discussion | Saturday, August 9, 1–3 p.m.

• What makes a game iconic? Join industry professionals and game designers for an insightful discussion exploring the art and science behind game design and how PAC-MAN became a cultural phenomenon.

Journey Through the Maze: 45 Years of PAC-MAN invites guests to discover how a simple yellow circle became a global gaming icon and offers a thoughtful look at the game’s lasting impact on the video game industry and its influence on popular culture. For more information, visit yourgreatpark.org/arts.

The Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd., in Irvine. Great Park Gallery hours are Thursday–Friday, Noon–4 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. All events and parking are free. For more information, visit yourgreatpark.org/arts or call 949-724-6247.