Visitors flock from all over the region and the world to visit some of Asheville’s top museum attractions, including the Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Museum of Science, and historic exhibits at the Biltmore Estate and Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home. But those who have only seen these more popular spaces are only learning pieces of Asheville’s rich and vibrant history!
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or first-time visitor, there’s always something new and interesting to experience and learn about our area! Here are seven unique community museums you’ll want to visit in Asheville, NC.
Asheville Pinball Museum
Get in touch with your inner child! No quarters are necessary to visit the pinball museum in Asheville (or its sister location in Hendersonville). For a flat fee, you can spend all day trying their collection of both vintage and contemporary pinball machines, as well as video games. Only 65 people are allowed inside at any time to play their 35 pinball machines and 35 classic video games. The museum does not take reservations, so get there early to be added to the waiting list. You’ll have a ball!
1 Battle Square, Suite 1-B, Asheville | (828) 776-5671 | ashevillepinball.com
Asheville Radio Museum
Ham it up at our next stop! Tucked into the Elm Building on A-B Tech’s main campus is a small space dedicated to long waves: radio waves. Established in 2001, the Asheville Radio Museum features 50+ ham radios and just as many home radios on display. Try your hand at Morse code, see a working ham station, or try tuning a 100-year-old “crystal” radio. You can also hear famous radio broadcasts, including President Rosevelt declaring U.S. engagement in WWII and historic radio comedy shows. Free admission; STEM students and group tours encouraged.
340 Victoria Road, Room 315, Asheville | (504) 256-5796 | avlradiomuseum.org
Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum
Once backed by Edith Vanderbilt, matron of the Biltmore House, Biltmore Industries, Inc. (also known as Biltmore Homespun Shops) has a long and storied history in our community. Today, the modest, one-room Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, located in Grovewood Village, continues the “handmade legacy”. The museum tells the story of how Biltmore Industries grew from a small craft education program to become one of the largest producers of handwoven wool in the world. There is also an antique 4-harness loom and memorabilia on display. Free admission.
111 Grovewood Road, Asheville | (828) 232-8353 | grovewood.com/biltmore-industries-homespun-museum
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center
If you’ve never heard of Black Mountain College, which operated from 1933–1957, it’s not too late to get acquainted with its infamous goings on. The campus attracted such wide-ranging artists and thinkers as Josef and Anni Albers, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, Jacob Lawrence, John Cage, and too many more to list here. Experience art and performance, learn more about Black Mountain College and its artists, and even participate in virtual events. BMCM+AC is committed to “educating the public about BMC’s history and raising awareness of its extensive legacy.”
120 College Street, Asheville | (828) 350-8484 | blackmountaincollege.org
Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum
As they say, Asheville’s Antique Car Museum is worth the detour! Located in Grovewood Village, this museum transports you back in time “to the romance-filled days of wooden steering wheels and polished brass headlamps.” Harry D. Blomberg, founder of local staple Harry’s On The Hill, established the attraction in 1966. Today, the museum features Harry’s prized collection of antique and vintage automobiles. Come see a real Tin Lizzie, a rare 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, and the city’s 1922 American LaFrance fire truck. Suggested donation of $5 encouraged.
111 Grovewood Road, Asheville | (828) 253-2698 | grovewood.com/antique-car-museum
Moogseum
Many electronic music superstars have traveled to Asheville to bow down at the doorway of Bob Moog’s synthesizer factory, Moog Music. Since 2019, the nonprofit Bob Moog Foundation (not affiliated with the company) has hosted an interactive museum in the inventor’s honor. The Moogseum serves as an educational, historical, and cultural resource, both locally and to the worldwide electronic music community. Learn the story of Leon Theremin and how he influenced Moog’s life and work. There’s also a recreation of Moog’s workbench on display!
56 Broadway Street, Asheville | (828) 258-1262 | moogfoundation.org/projects/the-moogseum
Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center
Located a few miles east of Asheville in Black Mountain, this museum is dedicated to the regional history of communities in the Swannanoa Valley. The museum is housed in a 1921 firehouse designed and built by Richard Sharp Smith, supervising architect at the Biltmore Estate. The space features two floors of photos, artifacts, and both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum also hosts workshops, book clubs, virtual exhibits, and even a hiking program. Dive into the history and heritage of Buncombe County and enrich your understanding of the area.
223 W State Street, Black Mountain | (828) 669-9566 | history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org
Learn Something New on the AVL Lit Tour!
Outside of museums and cultural centers, walking tours are a great way to learn more about the city of Asheville. And you can take in the city’s sights and sounds while you learn. If you’re into books and all things literary, then AVL Lit Tours are for you. Learn about many Asheville-related authors, from the 19th century to the present.
Asheville Literary Tours are a great respite to enjoy the city’s sites and also grow your minds. Book your 90-minute AVL Lit Tour today!