P. G. Martin Wonderworld (Majestic City).

A Perfectly Preserved Nugget Of The 90’s

If you ever wondered what the 90’s looked like to its tribes of yo-yo spinning, tamagotchi clutching youth, you needn’t head off in desperate search of a time machine to find out – or scroll through page after page of 90’s tumblrs. For a slice of bygone history wedged firmly in the present, head over to the basement of Majestic City for a fossilised display of an era where the Spice Girls reigned supreme and Justin Timberlake was still in a boy band.

P. G. Martin. Trusty supplier of every birthday partys’ balloon, candy floss and bouncy castle, this was the go to place for mothers to secure matching Little Mermaid napkins and cups for the hordes of screaming toddlers that would descend upon their gleaming houses come birthday time.

But since every day isn’t your birthday, P. G. Martin extended their services to open up a ‘Wonderworld’ at the basement of Majestic City, recreating the party experience all year round for just Rs. 60 an entry token. With ball ponds, rides and arcades games, the colourful amusement arena was vastly popular with Colombo’s kids. But as the years moved forward, the Wonderworld didn’t. The rides never changed, the walls weren’t given the fresh licks of paint they so badly needed, and the little pleasure dome fell into a surreal state of decline.

January 2013. The Wonderworld lies ensconced beneath the many storeys of shopping and cinematic extravaganza that has become Majestic City. Walk through the low ceilinged corridor to enter the dingy, faded space, cluttered with a plethora of old school arcade games: alpine racer, dance dance revolution, air hockey. In a way that was never intended, the P.G. Martin Wonderworld really has become a rabbit hole winding into Wonderland – for grown ups. Descend into the mall’s drab underbelly to uncover a melancholy vestige of the children’s 90’s. Arcade games that were played before the rapid evolution of videogames saw an Xbox in every living room and a PSP console in every hand. Soft, pink clouds of candyfloss and mounds of freshly popped corn. A mechanical silver arm whirring above a pile of fluorescent teddy bears. A dirty air hockey mallet resting on a smooth neon table.

While the P. G. Martin Wonderworld may prove a rather depressing option for an outing with the kids, for the wide-eyed adult it can offer a small and surreal little space for retrospective journeying. It’s an odd place, dark and dingy, and weirdly preserved in time. But the games still work, and if you’re nostalgic or homesick for a youth well versed in fairground treats and arcade highs, have a visit. It’s strangely weird and strangely wonderful.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa Announces Road to Give 2024: A Global Movement for Local Impact

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa is proud to announce its participation in Road to

Trending

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

 Dilmah Unveils their Very Special Rare Tea Collection at the t-Lounge, Horton Place

https://www.tiktok.com/@yamusrilanka/video/7415920549815160072 Dilmah, renowned globally for its dedication to tea excellence, unveiled its latest hand-picked collection

Highlights Trending

MSI Launches Next-Gen AI+ Gaming and Business & Productivity Laptops with Latest Processors at IFA 2024

IFA 2024 හිදී MSI නවතම ප්‍රොසෙසර සහිත Next-Gen AI+ ගේමිං, ව්‍යාපාර සහ ඵලදායිතා ලැප්ටොප් පරිගණක

Trending

The Best Tool for the AI Era of Computing: How to Choose Your AI Laptop

This year, the focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost productivity is gaining significant

Trending

MSI Launches Next-Gen AI+ Gaming and Business & Productivity Laptops with Latest Processors at IFA 2024

Featuring Iatest AI-supported processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ graphics MSI, a leading brand in gaming,

Trending

Yamu Guide.

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top 10 Places to Work or Study in Colombo in 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work

Highlights Yamu Guide