Retro Roadhusband was a bit miffed when we didn’t see any vintage arcades on the Asbury Park boardwalk – but the Silverball Museum Arcade made up for their absence. Opened year round this space is chock full (over 200!) of classic pinball machines, from every era.
Retro Roadhusband was psyched to find Funhouse (which isn’t exactly vintage, having been released in 1990.)
But Mod Betty went more the vintage route (big surprise) and was super thrilled with this 1967 “Beat Time” pinball machine. Beatles? Yep!
I’m still positively swooning over the graphics (Even tho this shot has a bit of a zombie/vampire vibe – WATCH OUT JOHN!!!)
The Silverball Museum Arcade has a different setup than a standard arcade in that there are no quarters needed. Instead you pay for a certain amount of time, and then can play as many games as you like during that time.
There’s also a place set up in the middle with some fun vintage Formica kitchen sets. Perfect for parties – you can rent out the space, or you can sit and eat your snacks that they sell at the entrance.
Open 7 days a week, the Museum Arcade was started by Rob Ilvento in 2009. He only got into pinball a few years ago when he realized that his daughter, who has autism, was fascinated by the game and would play for a solid half-hour without being distracted. So he bought a machine. Then another, then another, then…well you get the idea!
The machines range from the 1930s up to the 1990s, and each has a placard on top with the history of the machine and and the names of the high scorers.
Mod B would not be one of them, I was gutterballing it all the way, but enjoyed taking loads of photos and admiring the artwork on the machines.
There’s something for everyone at the Silverball Museum Arcade!
Silverball Museum
1000 Ocean Avenue #306
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 774-4994
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About Mod Betty
Helium Design
http://silverballmuseum.com
You really need to visit the website. It’s a pinball machine you can ‘play’! Great find, Mod Betty. I’m there on our next trip to Jersey.
Thanks
PS
tilt
Peter – I thought their website was a hoot! Thanks for the tip.
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