The Strong National Museum of Play
New York
The Strong National Museum of Play, located in Rochester, New York, is a premier institution devoted exclusively to the study and celebration of play. Founded in 1969 based on the extensive personal collection of Margaret Woodbury Strong, it opened to the public in 1982. The museum's mission shifted in the 1990s to focus on collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of play, making it the only collections-based museum worldwide solely dedicated to this subject. Its expansive 282,000-square-foot facility includes immersive exhibits such as Sesame Street, The Berenstain Bears, and Reading Adventureland, as well as the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The museum blends historical interpretation with interactive, child-friendly experiences, including the largest indoor butterfly garden in New York, the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. Recent expansions added new digital and outdoor play spaces, including the ESL Digital Worlds exhibit and Hasbro Game Park. The museum also hosts special exhibits like "War Toys: Ukraine," raising awareness of contemporary issues through the lens of play.
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Consejo: Visit during weekdays or outside major holidays to avoid crowds and enjoy interactive exhibits at a relaxed pace. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions and weekends. The museum offers discounts for children, seniors, and groups. Allocate several hours to fully explore the diverse galleries and play areas.
Datos interesantes
- •The Strong is the only collections-based museum in the world dedicated solely to the study of play.
- •It houses the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
- •The Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden is the largest indoor butterfly garden in New York.
- •The museum received a $700,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in 2019 to develop an interactive video game culture exhibit.
- •In 2023, the museum expanded by 90,000 square feet, including new digital and outdoor play spaces.
Historia
The Strong Museum was established in 1969, originating from Margaret Woodbury Strong's personal collection of dolls, toys, and cultural artifacts.
It opened to the public in 1982 in Rochester, New York.
Initially focused on American social and cultural history between 1830 and 1940, its mission evolved in the 1990s to focus exclusively on the history of play.
The museum has undergone three major expansions in 1997, 2006, and 2023, significantly increasing its exhibition space and enhancing visitor experiences.
It was renamed the Strong National Museum of Play in 2006 following a major renovation that nearly doubled its size.
Guía del lugar
National Toy Hall of Fame
A permanent exhibit honoring iconic toys and games that have inspired creative play and cultural impact across generations.
World Video Game Hall of Fame
An exhibit showcasing influential video games that have shaped the industry and popular culture worldwide.
Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden
The largest indoor butterfly garden in New York featuring thousands of live butterflies in a lush, naturalistic setting.
The Berenstain Bears: Down a Sunny Dirt Road
A permanent exhibit created in partnership with the Berenstain family that explores the beloved children's book series and its themes.
ESL Digital Worlds Exhibit2023
A recently added digital exhibit space focusing on electronic games and their cultural influence, including new interactive features.
Hasbro Game Park2023
An outdoor board game-themed play area designed to engage visitors in large-scale interactive games and activities.
Contacto
Teléfono: (585) 263-2700
