I would have never imagined finding such a diverse and entertaining destination in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia. Center in the Square is a cultural oasis with something for all ages and interests. 

Enjoy the Ocean in the Mountains 

The moment I stepped into the atrium, I was captivated by a display of marine life. I loved the “Enjoy the Ocean in the Mountains” exhibit, which brings the wonders of sea life to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a lovely introduction to the diverse aquatic world. One tank had me watching fish of all sizes and colors circling in a floor to ceiling tank.

Another exhibit called “Backbones and Beyond” challenged me to pick out which of the sea creatures were vertebrates, animals with backbones, and which were invertebrates, those without backbones. A panel in front of the exhibit let me see if I was right or wrong. 

Science Museum of Western Virginia 

One of my favorite museums at the Center is the Science Museum of Western Virginia which offers an enriching experience combining education with entertainment. The Living River is an exhibit showcasing the ecosystems of the Roanoke River Valley, complete with live aquatic species native to the region. I was mesmerized by the sight of an attendant delicately offering live cockroaches to a small blind gecko, who eagerly devoured them. The roaches were small and imprisoned in a jar until the attendant took them out with tweezers and held them out to the gecko, who hungrily gobbled them down. Wouldn’t be my favorite meal but geckos have different tastes than humans.

There are exhibits ranging from “Healthy Bodies” to an “Insect Zoo” composed of live insects and arachnids, including beetles, stick insects, and tarantulas, but my favorite experience was in “Parakeet Adventure.” This walk-through aviary houses a colorful flock of budgerigars, commonly known as parakeets. They admitted us in small groups and we each got a small cup of birdseed and entered the enclosure. The friendly and curious parakeets landed on my hand, arm and even my shoulder and squabbled with one another to get to the seeds. The docent told us that the seeds are a special treat the birds only get when being fed by gusts. This hands-on experience of interacting with these social birds is amazing.

Harrison Museum of African American Culture 

The Harrison Museum of African American Culture is another must-see. It tells a story of triumph over adversity. There are exhibits about the medical community and “Gainsboro Road and Beyond” that showcase the drawings and stories of Roanoke artist David Ramey.

However, my favorite here is the “Frederick Douglas” exhibit, which tells the story of one man’s fight for freedom and equality.

Roanoke Pinball Museum 

One of the most unique museums I encountered was the Pinball Museum. As a child of the 50s, I spent countless hours playing pinball, and this museum brought back a wave of nostalgia. It was fascinating to see the evolution of pinball machines from their early days to modern-day classics.

Roanoke Starcade Arcade

The arcade is dedicated to video games from the earliest ones to the present day. Its colorful display and over 300 games, all set to free play, will attract teens like honey draws flies. 

Kids Square Children’s Museum

Kids Square is located on the third floor and focuses on STEM learning with basic scientific concepts taught through hands-on experiments. There are story times and puppet shows. It’s divided into six sections.

The Town Square is a miniature town where children can role-play various professions, including doctor, chef, mechanic, and more. 

The Construction Zone lets young builders don hard hats and work with oversized foam blocks, learning about physics and engineering through play.

The Art Studio is a creative space where children can explore various art mediums, encouraging self-expression and fine motor skills development.

The Infant Garden is a safe, soft play area for the youngest visitors, featuring sensory-rich activities.

The Climbing Structure promotes physical activity and spatial awareness.

The Water Table is an interactive water play area where children can learn about fluid dynamics and cause-and-effect relationships.

Mill Mountain Theater 

There are more than just museums. The Mill Mountain Theater provides a platform for live performances, showcasing local talent and bringing the arts to life. 

Six and Sky Rooftop Grille

I had a truly memorable dining experience at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille. Here you can enjoy delicious cuisine while taking in panoramic views of the city–it’s the perfect way to end a day of discovery. Our MATPRA Marketplace dinner was held there. From the oysters on half shell appetizers to the steak and veggies buffet meal combined with great cocktails, it was perfect.

Hotel Roanoke

Another bonus is the Center is just a short walk away via a glass enclosed skywalk from Roanoke’s oldest hotel. Hotel Roanoke has been hosting guests since 1882 and perfected its style. The guest rooms and state-of-the-art conference center blend the charm of the hotel’s history with modern-day essentials, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshing pool, spas, dining, and everything you want in a hotel.

A Must-Visit Destination

If you’re ever in Roanoke, Center in the Square is a must-visit destination. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, learn something new, and experience the magic of the arts. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, this cultural complex has something to offer everyone.

Feature Image Courtesy of Roanoke Center