The Asheville Pinball Museum is a delightful gem located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. This interactive museum offers a nostalgic journey through the golden age of pinball and arcade games. With over 40 pinball machines and 40 classic video games, it's a haven for enthusiasts and casual visitors. The museum is housed in the historic Battery Park Hotel, adding a touch of historical charm to your visit. What sets this museum apart is its unique all-day play policy – one entry fee grants you unlimited access to all the games. Whether you're a pinball wizard or a novice, the Asheville Pinball Museum promises a fun-filled day for the entire family. So, grab your kids, and get ready to flip, nudge, and tilt your way through a world of flashing lights and buzzing excitement.
Highlights
- Unlimited Play: Pay once and play as much as you want.
- Historic Setting: Located in the iconic Battery Park Hotel.
- Diverse Collection: Over 80 games, including vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games.
Contents
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/AshevillePinballMuseum
Here is Why Your Kids Will Find it Interesting
Asheville Pinball Museum is worth visiting with kids aged 5 and up. The flashing lights, buzzing sounds, and interactive nature of the games make it an exciting adventure for young ones. They can explore vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games, learning the history while having fun. It's a perfect blend of education and entertainment.
Family-Friendly Features
- Unlimited Play: One entry fee for all-day access.
- Educational Displays: Learn the history of pinball and arcade games.
- Snacks and Refreshments: Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks while you play.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/AshevillePinballMuseum
History of the Asheville Pinball Museum
The Asheville Pinball Museum opened in August 2013 in a smaller suite at 1 Battle Square. By 2015, it had expanded to a larger space within the same historic Battery Park Hotel. The hotel, built in 1924, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum's collection includes machines dating back to the 1940s, showcasing the evolution of pinball from simple games of chance to skill-based entertainment. The addition of flippers in the late 1940s transformed pinball into a game of skill, eventually lifting bans imposed in many parts of the United States.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/AshevillePinballMuseum
What to Expect at the Asheville Pinball Museum
Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games. The museum features notable machines like the Addams Family, the best-selling pinball machine of all time, and Humpty Dumpty, the first to feature flippers. Each machine comes with a plaque detailing its production date and historical significance. The museum's immersive experience allows guests to play as many games as they want for a single entry fee, making it a paradise for gaming enthusiasts.
The Asheville Pinball Museum boasts unique pinball and arcade machines, including themed ones like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Cyclone. Themed sections and historical displays add an educational layer to the fun. Some machines and memorabilia are available for sale for those looking to take a piece of the museum home. The museum also features a bar with snacks, sodas, and local beers, ensuring you stay refreshed during your visit.
Notable Machines and Games
The museum's collection is a nostalgic trip through pinball and arcade gaming history. Here are some of the standout machines you can expect to find:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Help everyone's favorite half-shell heroes take on Shredder in this vibrant and action-packed game.
X-Files: Relive the 90s sci-fi glory with stunning design elements from the television series.
Donkey Kong: Experience the classic showdown between Mario and an enormous monkey, a staple of 80s arcades.
Roller Coaster Tycoon: A rare and exciting pinball adaptation of the famous PC game.
Area 51: Blast aliens and navigate through levels in this classic arcade shooter.
Earthshaker!: This machine lives up to its name with a shaker motor that adds to the fun and challenge.
1942: Take to the skies and battle enemy air forces in this Capcom classic.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/AshevillePinballMuseum
Interactive Experience
Unlike traditional museums where touching is off-limits, the Asheville Pinball Museum encourages interaction. Most of the machines are fully functional and ready for play. The museum's unique all-day play policy allows you to pay once and play as many games as you want without needing tokens or quarters. This setup is perfect for families and gaming enthusiasts looking to spend a fun-filled day without worrying about running out of change.
In addition to the playable machines, the museum features several historical displays. These include vintage pinball machines from the 1930s, such as Gottlieb's Humpty Dumpty, the first to feature flippers. The displays also include early arcade games like the 1933 Steeplechase game, a horse race-themed board with pins through which players sent marbles. These exhibits provide a fascinating and educational glimpse into the evolution of pinball and arcade games over the decades.
The museum ensures visitors stay comfortable and entertained throughout their visit. There's a bar offering a variety of snacks, sodas, and local beers, so you can refuel while playing. The museum also sells T-shirts and other items with its logo, allowing you to take a souvenir home. Rotating Selection
To keep the experience fresh, the museum frequently rotates its selection of machines. This means that even repeat visitors can find something new to play each time they visit. Some machines are also available for purchase to take your favorite game home.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/AshevillePinballMuseum
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit with children is on weekdays during the early afternoon. Avoid weekends and holidays to skip the crowd.
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours.
Our Resume
The Asheville Pinball Museum is a great destination for families. The interactive nature of the games, combined with the educational displays, makes it an engaging experience for kids and adults alike. The museum also features a lounge area where guests can create rubber band art, adding another layer of fun to the visit. In summary, the Asheville Pinball Museum offers a unique blend of history, nostalgia, and interactive fun in a family-friendly environment.
