Roanoke Pinball Museum
Step back in time and play your way through pinball history at this interactive museum featuring over 70 machines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more machines
Roanoke Pinball Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more machines
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time and play your way through pinball history at this interactive museum featuring over 70 machines.
"It's a hands-on museum where you can actually play everything, and the atmosphere is welcoming and exciting."
🎯 Unlimited Play Value
Your admission covers unlimited play on all 70+ machines! It's a fantastic bargain for hours of entertainment.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Downstairs
Purchase your admission tickets at the front desk on the first floor before heading up to the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage & Modern Machines
Main Hall
Experience over 70 playable pinball machines spanning nearly a century of history, from classics to contemporary designs.
Unlimited Play Experience
All Game Areas
Enjoy endless rounds on all machines with your admission fee – no quarters needed! A true pinball enthusiast's dream.
Family-Friendly Fun
Throughout the Museum
With provided stools for shorter visitors, it's an engaging experience for all ages, fostering intergenerational fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlimited Play for One Price
Location & Ticketing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Unlimited Play Value
Your admission covers unlimited play on all 70+ machines! It's a fantastic bargain for hours of entertainment.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Downstairs
Purchase your admission tickets at the front desk on the first floor before heading up to the museum.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet playing for hours, so comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of fun.
👨👩👧 Family Fun for All
Stools are provided for younger visitors, making it accessible and enjoyable for the whole family.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Unlimited Play Value
Your admission covers unlimited play on all 70+ machines! It's a fantastic bargain for hours of entertainment.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Downstairs
Purchase your admission tickets at the front desk on the first floor before heading up to the museum.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet playing for hours, so comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of fun.
👨👩👧 Family Fun for All
Stools are provided for younger visitors, making it accessible and enjoyable for the whole family.
📸 Capture the Nostalgia
Bring your phone to snap photos of the vintage machines and your high scores!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Roanoke Pinball Museum for its incredible value, offering unlimited play on a vast collection of well-maintained pinball machines. It's a nostalgic and fun experience for all ages, with many highlighting the accessibility for children and the sheer joy of playing through history. Some wish for more non-pinball arcade games, but the focus on pinball is its core strength.
"$15 and can play all you want. Reminded me of my youth and my son who is into gaming actually loved it. They have some very old school machines. 70+ machines. It’s on the second floor. You have to purchase tickets at front desk on first floor."
Jason Grenier
"This place was such a fun and unique experience! The Roanoke Pinball Museum is packed with an incredible variety of pinball machines from vintage classics to modern designs. It’s both nostalgic and educational.
I visited with my three young kids, and even they had a blast! The museum provides stools and step stools so younger visitors can reach and enjoy the games, which was such a thoughtful touch. It made the experience accessible and fun for the whole family.
One of the coolest parts was seeing a few machines being repaired or worked on, which gave us a peek inside how these machines function something you don’t usually get to see!
It’s a hands-on museum where you can actually play everything, and the atmosphere is welcoming and exciting. A must visit if you're in Roanoke, whether you’re a lifelong pinball fan or just looking for a fun and different way to spend an hour or two."
Theresa N.
"Visiting Roanoke, first time here, with my daughter. We met up with her college friend. We were walking downtown and saw a sign about the Pinball Museum. We definitely had to check it out!
We walked inside the building and went to the front desk. Gloria, who was very nice, friendly and helpful, explained about the cost of the Pinball Museum as well as the Starcade Video Arcade, the Living Reef Aquarium and The Candy Store.
We chose to do the Pinball Museum. It's worth the $15 per person! The Living Reef Aquarium was free . We really loved looking the Aquarium.
We went up to the Pinball Museum. OMG, WOW pinball machines galore!!! Seeing all of the pinball machines brought me back to my childhood! I now want several pinball machines in my house! My favorites were Gilligan's Island, Addams Family, The Beatles, Elton John, Indiana Jones and the list could go forever!
We had an awesome time there. I wish we could've been there all day! We will definitely come back!!!
If you're visiting Roanoke, definitely stop in here!!!"
Tracy Berthelson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Roanoke Pinball Museum is located on the second floor of the Center in the Square building in downtown Roanoke, VA. Parking is available in nearby garages and on the street.
Yes, the museum is accessible via elevator within the Center in the Square building. Stools are also provided for children to reach the machines.
Several parking garages and street parking are available in the downtown Roanoke area, within walking distance of Center in the Square.
Absolutely! The museum is part of the Center in the Square, which also houses the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the Taubman Museum of Art, and the Harrison Museum of Military History, offering a full day of activities.
Roanoke's public transit system, Valley Metro, serves the downtown area. Check their routes and schedules for convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $15 per person for unlimited play all day. This is a great value considering you can play as much as you want.
While not always necessary, purchasing tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak hours or weekends. Tickets are bought at the first-floor front desk.
Your ticket provides unlimited access to play all of the pinball machines and arcade games available in the museum for the entire day.
Discounts may be available for groups or special events. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any current promotions.
The museum's hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🕹️ Onsite Experience
The museum boasts over 70 playable pinball machines, offering a wide variety from vintage classics to modern designs.
Yes, your admission grants you unlimited play on all the machines. There's no need for quarters or tokens.
While pinball is the main focus, the museum also features some vintage arcade games, providing a broader retro gaming experience.
Absolutely! The museum provides stools for younger visitors and offers a hands-on, engaging experience that kids of all ages can enjoy.
Visitors have reported seeing machines being repaired or worked on, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, especially for personal use. It's a great place to capture nostalgic moments and unique machines.
While personal photos are usually fine, it's always best to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disrupt gameplay or others.
Machines with vibrant artwork, unique themes (like Addams Family or The Beatles), and older, classic designs are popular subjects for photos.
Short videos for personal use are typically permitted. Many visitors share their gameplay experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Definitely! The colorful machines and the retro arcade atmosphere make for great social media content. Look for unique angles and close-ups of the playfields.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity for parents to share a piece of their childhood with their kids, creating shared experiences and sparking conversations about different eras of gaming. The sheer variety of machines also means there's something to capture every child's interest, from colorful themes to engaging gameplay.
💰 Budget Travelers
Compared to pay-per-play arcades or other ticketed attractions, this museum provides hours of engagement for a single, fixed price. It's a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon or a fun evening without breaking the bank, especially if you plan to stay for a good portion of the day.
🕹️ Pinball Enthusiasts
+1The free play model allows enthusiasts to truly immerse themselves, practice their skills, and revisit their favorite games without interruption. The variety ensures that both fans of vintage electromechanical games and those who prefer modern DMD (Dot Matrix Display) machines will find plenty to enjoy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Pinball History
Each machine tells a story, reflecting the pop culture and design trends of its era. You might find machines themed around classic movies, iconic musicians, or popular cartoons. This historical aspect makes the museum an engaging experience for both pinball aficionados and those new to the game, providing a unique educational opportunity wrapped in fun.
Some visitors even report seeing machines undergoing repair, offering a rare glimpse into the intricate mechanics that bring these games to life. This dedication to maintenance ensures that the machines are not just on display but are fully functional, allowing for an authentic playing experience.
The 'Free Play' Advantage
This 'all-you-can-play' approach significantly enhances the visitor experience, allowing for a more relaxed and immersive session. It encourages exploration of the entire collection and removes the pressure of maximizing each play. Visitors can truly savor the nostalgia, discover new favorites, and even revisit beloved classics without interruption.
This model also fosters a unique community atmosphere. With no competitive 'quarter-stealing' dynamics, players tend to be more courteous and appreciative of the shared space. It transforms the experience from a series of individual games into a collective enjoyment of pinball history and fun.
Making Pinball Accessible for Everyone
This commitment to accessibility extends beyond just physical reach. The variety of machines, from simple vintage games to more complex modern ones, caters to different skill levels and interests. Whether you're a seasoned pinball wizard or a complete novice, there's a game here that will capture your attention and provide an enjoyable challenge.
The welcoming atmosphere, combined with the hands-on nature of the exhibits, creates an inclusive environment where families can bond and create lasting memories. It's a place where intergenerational fun is not just possible but actively encouraged.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit