Asheville Pinball Museum

This place was a blast from the past! Lots of well-maintained and very interesting pinball machines and retro arcades. Some of the oldest ones were display only, and I appreciated that many units had interesting facts about them displayed on themselves. It was like 10% museum, 90% playable, 100% fun. Bartender girl was really sweet hooking me up with a good site for pinball repair and marketplace, although it sounds like the pinball museum doesn't typically buy or sell things themselves. 10/10 will be going again.

This is an absolutely incredible place for adults and children. The kids get to play as many games as they want from pinball games to Nintendo and old '80s original arcade games. Adults can flash back to their childhood and enjoy the games they grew up with. Some of pinball machines go way back. They have info on top of each pinball machine telling its history. The arcade games are straight out of the '80s and all of my favorites from my teen years.

Great selection of pinball machines. Very cool place with date & formation on each pinball machines history. We experienced NO malfunctions or problems with any games. Clean & Poplar Pricing very fair for the fun we had. Thank you to all the helpful & Knowledgeable staff. Next visit to Asheville wr will come back to the Pinball Museum!!!

The staff was nice. They take your name and put you on a waiting list and call you if they are busy. It was pretty busy when we went in. But once you get in the wrist band is good all day.

All you can play for $17. We spent about 2.5 hours playing pinball and classic arcade games. Have snacks and drinks if you desire. Great place to take kids and kids at heart.

Don’t sleep on the classic arcade machines, also included with admission—foundational cabinets like Space Invaders and Missile Command up through NBA Jam, TMNT & Virtua Racing. The pinball variety is staggering, from modern machines to vintage versions dating back to the 1930’s. The oldest playable table when I visited was a rock n’ roll heartthrobs-inspired machine from 1967. Plus beer, soda & snacks available for purchase. Come, have a blast here, and see if you can top my Lord of the Rings Pinball score of 39,753,000! 🧙‍♂️

Nice selection of pinball machines and vintage arcade games. (Honestly though the newer pinball machines are much more fun than the really old ones with a single set of flippers.) Great place to take a break from the heat or stormy weather.

Stepping into the Asheville Pinball Museum isn't just about playing games; it's a delightful journey back in time, a warm embrace of nostalgia that wraps around you the moment the familiar chorus of chimes, whirs, and the distinct thwack of flippers fills the air. It's a sensory experience that instantly transports you to childhood arcades, to the feeling of sticky floors and the thrill of a freshly inserted quarter. The genius of the Asheville Pinball Museum lies in its immersive atmosphere. This isn't a stuffy, "look-but-don't-touch" kind of museum. Oh no. Here, you're encouraged to dive right in. For a single admission fee, you're granted unlimited plays on dozens of machines, ranging from the electromechanical marvels of the 1960s to the more complex, digitized tables of the 80s, 90s, and even some modern classics. I remember the sheer joy of rediscovering machines I hadn't seen in decades. The iconic artwork on the side of a Gottlieb's Joker Poker or the familiar sounds of The Addams Family brought back floods of memories. Each game felt like a reunion with an old friend. The thrill of a perfectly aimed shot, the satisfying clatter of bonus points, the frantic multi-ball chaos – it all came rushing back. And it wasn't just the popular titles; there were lesser-known gems that captivated with their unique themes and challenging layouts. What truly amplified the nostalgic feel was the collective energy in the room. The museum is often bustling, filled with people of all ages. You'd see parents patiently teaching their kids the art of the flipper, teenagers discovering the magic of analog gaming, and fellow "old-timers" exchanging knowing glances as they chased that elusive high score on a machine they probably spent countless hours on as a kid. The air buzzed with friendly competition, shared triumphs, and the occasional groan of a tilted game. It's more than just a collection of machines; it's a living, breathing testament to a bygone era of entertainment. The staff, too, seemed to share in this passion. They were often seen meticulously maintaining the machines, ensuring that the magic continued to flow freely. The Asheville Pinball Museum isn't just a place to play games; it's a portal to simpler times, a vibrant celebration of a beloved pastime, and a reminder of the pure, unadulterated joy that a well-designed pinball machine can bring. It's a place where the past isn't just displayed, but actively relived, one flip at a time.