Roanoke Pinball Museum

Fans of retro gaming and vibrant experiences should definitely visit the Roanoke Pinball Museum. This unique interactive space is located in Roanoke, USA, on the second floor of the well-known cultural complex Center in the Square. Unlike typical exhibitions, the exhibits here aren't just sitting behind glass—you can and should play them.

The museum's collection features over 60–70 pinball machines, spanning a massive period: from rare 1930s models to the most modern digital machines released in 2023. It’s not just an arcade, but a true educational center where games are used to teach the physics, mechanics, and design art behind every playfield.

The museum's atmosphere is steeped in nostalgia and energy: neon lights, the signature sound of bells, and upbeat music create an unmistakable vibe. Admission is approximately $15, and this fee grants unlimited access to all machines for the entire day—no tokens or coins required.

To confirm the current schedule and group rates, you can contact the museum administration directly. The Roanoke Pinball Museum is always happy to welcome guests and offers opportunities for private events and celebrations.

Below is detailed contact information and the address for planning your route:

The main reason people come to this museum is, of course, the chance to play without limits. You can spend hours honing your skills on legendary machines like the 1992 The Addams Family or testing the unique 1948 Screwball with its unusual flipper layout. Every machine tells its own story through its mechanics, sound effects, and unique artwork.

In addition to the gameplay, visitors are invited to dive into the educational part of the exhibition. Information stands detail the evolution of technology, the physical principles of the mechanisms, and the secrets of "backglass" design—the glass panels featuring bright illustrations. It is a rare opportunity to see the engineering art of entertainment from the inside.

For those looking for social interaction and a competitive spirit, the museum often hosts pinball tournaments and themed enthusiast meetups. And if you want to take a short break between gaming sessions, there is a cozy bar built by volunteers. It’s the perfect spot for both a family outing and a competitive match with friends.

The museum is conveniently located in the heart of the historic City Market district at 1 Market Square SE. It occupies the second floor of the popular Center in the Square complex, which is a major draw for tourists in the city center. Thanks to its central location, the museum is easy to reach on foot if you are already strolling through downtown and exploring local sights.

For those arriving by car, several parking areas are available nearby, including the Market Square garage. If you plan to use public transport, the Roanoke Area Transit (Valley Metro) buses stop within walking distance of the complex. For travelers coming from further away, the nearest airport, Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional (ROA), is approximately 15 kilometers away; a taxi or Uber ride from there takes about 20 minutes.

Due to the well-developed infrastructure of central Roanoke, a visit to the museum can easily be combined with a bike or scooter ride. The area is designed to be highly pedestrian-friendly, connecting cultural sites and recreation zones into a single route.

The story of this unusual place began in the summer of 2015. The museum opened thanks to the enthusiasm of local residents and collectors, including City Council member Steve Bowery. He made a significant contribution to the project by donating the first 10 pinball machines from his personal collection. Over time, thanks to the hard work of volunteers who invested thousands of hours into restoring old equipment, the collection has grown several times over.

The museum's exhibits vividly demonstrate the evolution of American pop culture and engineering. Visitors can trace the journey of pinball from early 1930s models—which were considered gambling devices due to the lack of flippers—to today's high-tech machines. A major milestone was the 1948 release of Screwball, which helped establish pinball as a game of skill rather than just luck.

Today, the museum is not just an arcade but a full-fledged educational center. It preserves the memory of the golden age of arcades and highlights pinball's role in U.S. history. Its location in the historic City Market building emphasizes the museum's deep connection to the city's cultural heritage, making it a living tribute to the entertainment industry of the last century.

To fully enjoy the games and explore the history of the exhibits, most visitors need between 2 and 4 hours. This is plenty of time to try your hand at a couple of dozen different machines and read the information stands about their creation.

If you are visiting with children, expect about an hour and a half to two hours of active fun. True pinball fans and enthusiasts, however, often stay for half a day, as a single admission ticket allows for unlimited play, moving from classic models to the latest hits.

The Roanoke Pinball Museum operates on a fixed schedule from Tuesday to Sunday, providing guests with plenty of time to immerse themselves in the world of retro gaming throughout the week.

Operating Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Visiting the pinball museum is a great excuse to explore the city center, where interesting sights await at every turn. The City Market area is rich with small galleries, cozy cafes, and historical monuments that will perfectly complement your walk.

Numerous attractions are concentrated around the Center in the Square complex, all reachable within just a couple of minutes: