Strong National Museum of Play | Rochester

The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, is a premier destination dedicated to the exploration and celebration of play in all its forms. As of 2023, the museum unveiled a transformative 90,000-square-foot expansion, enhancing its status as one of the largest and most interactive museums of its kind in the United States.

Core Exhibits and Attractions

1. ESL Digital Worlds

High Score: Houses the World Video Game Hall of Fame, honoring iconic video games that have significantly impacted the gaming industry and culture.

Level Up: An immersive, life-sized video game experience where visitors become the main character, navigating through various challenges.

Age of Empires: Explores the history and cultural impact of video games, featuring artifacts and interactive displays.

2. Hasbro Game Park

Developed in partnership with Hasbro, this outdoor exhibit features oversized versions of classic board games:

An 18-foot, fire-breathing dragon from Dungeons & Dragons.

Towering candy canes from Candy Land.

A rideable spinner from The Game of Life.

A giant Scottie dog from Monopoly.

3. Play Pals

This exhibit traces the evolution of dolls, action figures, toy soldiers, and plush animals through three centuries of American history. Highlights include:

A life-size dollhouse complete with kitchen, nursery, garden, and family car.

The GUND Teddy Bear Check-Up area, where visitors can measure, weigh, and test the vital signs of their favorite stuffed animals.

Interactive stations featuring toy soldiers, superhero action figures, and ferocious dinosaurs.

Fashion dress-up area with gowns and accessories.

Rare artifacts like Thomas Edison’s talking doll and a Steiff bear.

4. Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden

The largest indoor butterfly garden in New York State, featuring thousands of free-flying butterflies in a lush, tropical setting.

5. Skyline Climb

An exhilarating high-adventure ropes course that offers visitors a chance to challenge themselves with various obstacles, promoting physical activity and fun.

Recent Expansion (2023)

In June 2023, The Strong National Museum of Play unveiled a transformative 90,000-square-foot expansion, part of a $75 million project aimed at revitalizing downtown Rochester's "Neighborhood of Play." This expansion includes:

New Welcome Atrium: Features interactive displays, colorful wayfinding, and a high expansive ceiling with glass walls, creating a bright and open space during the day and illuminating the plaza at night.

Expanded Exhibit Space: Adds over 24,000 square feet dedicated to electronic games and an additional 17,000 square feet of outdoor exhibit space exploring the influence of board games.

Outdoor Plazas: Includes Riedman Commons and Riedman Plaza, providing additional space for visitors to enjoy.

Parking Garage: Built during phase one of the project, offering ample covered spaces for visitors.

This expansion is expected to increase annual museum attendance to nearly one million by 2026, up from a previous high of 600,000 pre-pandemic.

Visitor Information

Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission: General admission is $25, with discounted rates for children and seniors. Special packages are available, including options to access the Butterfly Garden and Skyline Climb.

Location: Located in downtown Rochester, the museum is easily accessible and offers parking facilities.