What Is the O. Winston Link Museum ALL About?

Author Cassandra M. Vanhooser is quoted in the March 2006 issue of Southern Living Magazine, as saying of the O. Winston Link Museum, "I haven't found a museum I like better." Many of our visitors would agree with Cassandra. On January 10, 2004, the Museum opened its doors to an eager crowd and was an immediate success. Link's collection continues to intrigue visitors from all over the world  as far as Australia and as near as those living in Roanoke.

People are drawn to the dramatic photographs of the historic Norfolk & Western Railway. Link's lighting effect in each photograph is carefully crafted to produce the best result. His technical advancements to overcome his limitations made him a forerunner to modern day photography, and the result of his ambition is the captivating photographs of the Norfolk & Western Railway. But why is this Museum in Roanoke?

For years Winston Link received proposals for permanent exhibits at national and international museums and galleries, but none satisfied his need. In 2000, a small group of Link's friends in Roanoke proposed the Norfolk & Western Passenger Station to be the home of Winston's photographs. Link agreed and in 2002 renovations began on the abandoned passenger station.

The station, originally built in 1905, retained a classic and stately design, common of most Virginia architecture. In the 1940's, Norfolk & Western wanted to modernize the station. In 1947, the Railway commissioned industrial designer, Raymond Loewy, to redesign the headquarters' station. N & W wanted the building to reflect the economic impact the railroad had on the Roanoke Valley. Loewy gutted the interior of the station and added in terrazzo floors, marble walls, large windows framed with aluminum, escalators leading down to the boarding platform, all giving it an art deco style. Most importantly, Loewy took minimal space and made the station more functional. After the renovation, this station remained active until 1972, when N & W ceased all passenger services. At that time, the station became freight offices and storage for the Railroad until 1990 when the station was finally abandoned.

In 2002 renovations began on the former N & W Passenger Station; the task was time consuming and needed an enormous amount of commitment and dedication from all involved. Spectrum Design P. C., a local architectural firm with a flare for renovating historic landmarks in the Roanoke Valley, took on the challenge of renovating the station. David Bandy, the primary designer, was able to salvage much of Raymond Loewy's sleek designs, such as the unique flooring, the brushed aluminum columns and the stations' block windows. Bandy was able to convert the trackside level from freight storage into beautiful galleries that compliment Loewy's designs. After years of abandonment, the Norfolk & Western Passenger Station came alive again in January of 2004. Hundreds of people filled the lobby of the O. Winston Link Museum to reminiscence about the glory of the steam engine era and the legacy of O. Winston Link.

After opening its doors to the public, the Link Museum now welcomes approximately 30,000 visitors a year. The Museum continues to hold a strong presence in the community by providing informative lectures, family fun events, outreaches, train safety workshops and working with non-profits within the area to make a difference in the community. The collection of Link's work has grown from 200 to over 300 photographs.

Hailed by Vanity Fair as one of the major photographers of the 20th century, Link's images captured a way of life for railroad communities that have nearly vanished from the American landscape. And Link's flash bulbs forever burned these communities into America's photographic history that will remain on display at the O. Winston Link Museum for future generations to appreciate.

The O. Winston Link Museum is opened seven days a week 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $4.50 for seniors; $4.00 for children (3-11). The Link Museum is closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.