Strong National Museum of Play

Strong National Museum of Play is a highly interactive museum located in Rochester, New York, United States, founded by Margaret Woodbury Strong, a renowned Doll collector and Philanthropist. The museum is dedicated to the study and exploration of play and its significance in human development, with a focus on Child development and Learning theory. It has been recognized by Forbes, The New York Times, and USA Today as one of the top museums in the country, alongside The Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, and National Museum of American History. The museum has also collaborated with other prominent institutions, including The Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, and Sesame Workshop.

● History

The Strong National Museum of Play was founded in 1969 by Margaret Woodbury Strong, who donated her extensive collection of Dolls, Toys, and Games to the museum. Over the years, the museum has undergone several expansions, including the addition of the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998, which recognizes iconic toys such as Lego, Barbie, and Monopoly. The museum has also been recognized for its contributions to the field of Museum studies and has worked with other institutions, including the American Alliance of Museums, International Council of Museums, and Association of Children's Museums. The museum's history is also closely tied to the development of Rochester, New York, and has been supported by local organizations, including the Rochester Area Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Rochester, and Rochester Chamber of Commerce. The museum has also partnered with other cultural institutions in the city, including the George Eastman Museum, Memorial Art Gallery, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

● Collections

The Strong National Museum of Play has a vast collection of over 500,000 objects, including Toys, Games, Dolls, and other artifacts related to play. The collection includes iconic items such as Teddy Ruxpin, Easy-Bake Oven, and Slinky, as well as a vast array of Board games, Card games, and Video games. The museum also has an extensive collection of Children's literature, including works by Dr. Seuss, J.K. Rowling, and C.S. Lewis. The collection is used for research and exhibition purposes, and has been studied by scholars from institutions such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Oxford. The museum has also collaborated with other institutions, including the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, and British Library, to advance the study of play and its significance in human development.

● Exhibitions

The Strong National Museum of Play features a variety of interactive exhibitions that showcase the importance of play in human development. Exhibitions include the National Toy Hall of Fame, which recognizes iconic toys such as G.I. Joe, Silly Putty, and Play-Doh. The museum also features exhibitions on Video games, including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario Bros., as well as exhibitions on Board games, such as Monopoly and Scrabble. The museum has also hosted temporary exhibitions on topics such as The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, and Sesame Street, in collaboration with institutions such as The Jim Henson Company, Lucasfilm, and Warner Bros.. The exhibitions are designed to be engaging and educational, and have been recognized by organizations such as the American Museum Association, National Science Foundation, and Institute of Museum and Library Services.

● Awards and Recognition

The Strong National Museum of Play has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the field of Museum studies and Child development. The museum has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top museums in the country, and has received awards from organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums, International Council of Museums, and Association of Children's Museums. The museum has also been recognized for its innovative exhibitions and programs, including the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World of Games exhibition. The museum has also received funding from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, and Institute of Museum and Library Services, to support its research and exhibition programs.

● Visitor Information

The Strong National Museum of Play is located in Rochester, New York, and is open to visitors year-round. The museum offers a variety of amenities, including a Food court, Gift shop, and Parking garage. Visitors can also take advantage of the museum's Accessibility features, including Wheelchair accessibility and American Sign Language interpretation. The museum has also partnered with local hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Rochester and Rochester Marriott Airport, to offer special packages and discounts for visitors. The museum is also located near other popular attractions in Rochester, New York, including the George Eastman Museum, Memorial Art Gallery, and High Falls District.

● Programs and Events

The Strong National Museum of Play offers a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages. The museum hosts Lectures and Workshops on topics such as Child development, Learning theory, and Museum studies, featuring speakers from institutions such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Oxford. The museum also offers Summer camps and After-school programs for children, as well as Adult programs and Special events, such as Gaming tournaments and Cosplay events. The museum has also partnered with other institutions, including the Rochester City School District, University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology, to offer educational programs and resources for students and teachers. The museum's programs and events are designed to be engaging and educational, and have been recognized by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services.