O. Winston Link Museum, Roanoke: Hours, Address, O. Winston Link Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
O. Winston Link Museum
O. Winston Link Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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4.5
299 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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Average
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Terrible
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nova654
mclean, va114 contributions
Aug 2021
Since we were in Roanoke for a few days, decided to purchase the joint ticket for the Transportation and O. Winston Link Museums. The photos were beautiful and there is a 30 minute film covering his photos, process and life. Note the film starts every hour on the hour if you go as the entire visit is not much longer than 1 .5 hours. It is well worth the visit and the joint ticket is a saving.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brian B
Peoria, AZ1,035 contributions
Jun 2021
If steam engine history is of interest then the Link Museum is well worth your time. The photo's show local and railroad history. There are other period piece artifacts to view.
Written 19 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The3ofus60614
Raleigh, NC184 contributions
Jun 2021
Mr. Link photographed steam engines in the most dramatic way and created art by his magnificent lighting. He also photographed the people of the railroad capturing their character. He worked in black and white which makes these pictures more poignant.
Written 12 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CarolynQ63
Huddleston, VA106 contributions
Feb 2021
Link was an artist with a degree in civil engineering. This interesting combination of interest, knowledge, and talent make for a spectacular collection of trains and folk art tied together. Link's story is is almost as interesting as his photographs and the photos are stunning. The museum is set in the original train station in Roanoke. It appears to be a work in progress with many odd artifacts laying around- lots to look at. The tour is self-guided. Admission fee is modest.
Written 9 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travel-here-there
Vienna, Virginia313 contributions
Oct 2020
Despite some adjustments to flow due to the pandemic, this museum is an excellent presentation of both local and railroad history so it should appeal to a variety of people. In addition, for those interested in photography equipment and techniques, the museum includes excellent exhibits and explanations of the tools and processes used. I also found the Roanoke 1980s flood story an interesting addition for variety. Possibly the best part of the museum though is the amazing historic train station building it is in! You could spend an hour or three in here, but be sure to stay for the worthwhile video in the theatre that plays on the hour!
Written 31 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
908hanss
Roanoke, VA7 contributions
Jul 2019
An excellent place to spend an afternoon learning about the history of the main industry that made Roanoke the city it is. Full displays of early and more current photographs by an excellent photographer.
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
George S
Cornelius, United States44 contributions
Nov 2019
I really enjoyed this museum which provides an interesting and graphic window on the importance of the regional rail system to the growth of Roanoke. Housed in former passenger station. Highly recommended. Also be sure to the Virginia Museum of Transportation nearby with a combined ticket.
Written 7 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gary W
65 contributions
May 2019
I had never heard of Mr. Link before my visit to this museum. Without this experience, I might have even admired his work without giving great thought to his process. But having seen the short film detailing his engineering of the shoot, I have to confess that I am both amazed and appreciative of what he accomplished with his control of lighting and the great limitations of the technology of the period. For those interested in photographic technique, spending time with the documented setups and displayed equipment, will give one pause about his brilliance. And sadly there is the aspect of his life that could easily play out today on reality television. Great achievement is tempered in his later years by great sadness. By either measure, the presentation is astounding. Don’t miss this stop in Roanoke.
Written 28 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul H
Nashville, Tennessee, United States15 contributions
Aug 2019
As a photographer and a railfan, this was a rare treat. Winston Link was a Norfolk & Western official black and white photographer during the steam era. His books and calendars have always been favorites of mine. This was a chance to see many of Link's images in their true light as large prints. If you have an interest in railroad images, you'll be glad you made the visit.
Written 21 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael M
83 contributions
Jul 2019
Link was commissioned to document the last steam trains of the Norfolk and Western rail system before they were retired. He used large format cameras and fantastic flash setups he developed himself, to make some of the best outdoor scenery photographs ever. If you are a rail fan, or if you live in the region of southwest Virginia, you need to see this museum. It's amazing.
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gemuse4
Chicago, IL91 contributions
How long does a visit take?
CarolynQ63
Huddleston, VA106 contributions
Allow about an hour
Lloyd R
Beverly Hills, FL1 contribution
Is there parking close to the museum ?
sunnyography
Roanoke, VA24 contributions
There is very limited parking specifically for museum visitors directly in front of the museum. There is street parking on the street that is a 2 hour max free space (Although the street parking is usually full from people visiting the Hotel Roanoke directly across the street)
Frequently Asked Questions about O. Winston Link Museum
- O. Winston Link Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near O. Winston Link Museum:
- (0.16 km) The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.39 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke - Downtown
- (0.27 km) The Liberty Trust
- (0.99 km) Comfort Inn Roanoke Civic Center
- (1.73 km) Black Lantern Inn - Roanoke
- Restaurants near O. Winston Link Museum:
- (0.14 km) BILLY'S
- (0.21 km) The Regency Room
- (0.20 km) Cedars Lebanese Restaurant
- (0.19 km) Nawab Indian Cuisine
- (0.13 km) The Pine Room and 1882 Lobby Bar