Museums

The Harrison Museum of African American Culture is an educational and cultural institution committed to promoting, showcasing, and celebrating the art and history of African-Americans in the Roanoke Valley and beyond. Memorabilia, photographs, and objects relating to the African-American experience form an extensive portion of the Harrison Museum’s permanent collection, as does an impressive collection of African and contemporary art.
Location: Second Floor of Center in the Square

The Roanoke Pinball Museum is an interactive showcase of pinball machines and exhibits from 1932 to the present day. Our mission is to cultivate curiosity in the science, art and history of pinball as a uniquely American cultural experience. Visitors of all ages continue to be fascinated by over 50 working machines on our gallery floor.
Location: Second Floor of Center in the Square

With a name honoring another iconic Roanoke structure, the Roanoke STARCADE is a new 3,000 square foot facility just a quick walk from the Roanoke Pinball Museum and features classic and new arcade systems and activities for gaming, competition, private engagements and of course, great fun. The experience at Roanoke STARCADE will be similar to Roanoke Pinball Museum in that patrons can pay one low entry fee for endless gaming during their regular business hours. With nostalgic games like: The House of the Dead, NBA Jam, Donkey Kong and much more!
Location: Second Floor of Center in the Square

Since opening its doors on Aug. 15, 2017, the children of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas have found a safe, educational and wonderful place to explore, play and learn! This fun museum is geared towards children ages 10 and under. The 15,000-square-foot museum is full of interactive, educational and multi-sensory exhibits with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Some of the exhibits include a Town, Theater, Forest, Dig Pit, Building Area, Sensory Cove, 811 Interactive Zone and a Black Light Glow Room.
Location: Third Floor of Center in the Square

The Science Museum of Western Virginia continues to reinvent how our community explores science. The museum has served millions of K-12 school children and thousands more through college and community outreach programs and public events. The museum features 2 floors of exciting hands-on exhibits that will engage visitors of all ages. The Hidden Garden (formerly known as the exotic butterfly habitat) at the museum reflects the growing awareness of the importance of supporting local pollinators like butterflies. The museum also offers your event one of the most unique settings in the Roanoke Valley, whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday or company party.
Location: Fourth and Fifth Floors of Center in the Square

The History Museum of Western Virginia and the O. Winston Link Museum, both operated by the Historical Society of Western Virginia, share space in the former passenger station of the N&W Railway. Museum galleries are divided among the strong photography of O. Winston Link and historical displays related to the region. There are also traveling exhibits in addition to those created from the museums’ collections.
Location: 101 Shenandoah Ave. NE, across from Hotel Roanoke

MUSEUMS