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Discover the Power of Play at The Strong National Museum of Play
- Go Explore NY
- 9 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Located in Rochester, New York, The Strong National Museum of Play is one of the world's premier destinations dedicated entirely to the history, science, and joy of play. More than just a museum, The Strong inspires visitors of all ages to explore how play shapes learning, creativity, imagination, and human connection.
Whether you're discovering interactive exhibits, walking among hundreds of colorful butterflies, or celebrating the history of video games, every visit offers new opportunities to learn through fun.
A Museum Where Play Comes to Life
The Strong is a global leader in collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of play. Its interactive exhibits encourage guests to do more than simply observe—they invite visitors to jump in, explore, create, and imagine.
Families, children, educators, and lifelong learners will find engaging experiences that highlight why play is an essential part of growing, learning, and living.
Let Your Imagination Take Flight
One of the museum's signature attractions is Imagination Destination, a permanent interactive exhibit designed to spark creativity and hands-on exploration.
Visitors can step into a variety of exciting roles, including:
Astronaut launching into space
Rescue helicopter pilot
Construction worker on an active job site
Stage actor performing in a theater
Each immersive environment is filled with physical challenges, imaginative play, and opportunities for children to build confidence while exploring real-world careers in a fun and engaging way.
Experience the Beauty of Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden
No visit to The Strong is complete without exploring Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, the only year-round indoor butterfly garden in Upstate New York.
Inside this lush tropical environment, guests can stroll among hundreds of free-flying butterflies representing species from around the world. Surrounded by vibrant flowers and exotic plants, visitors have the unique opportunity to observe butterflies up close as they flutter gracefully through the garden, creating a peaceful and unforgettable experience for all ages.
Celebrating the History of Games
The Strong is internationally recognized for preserving the cultural history of toys, games, pinball, and video games. Through innovative exhibits and research, the museum examines how play has influenced generations of people across the globe.
In partnership with Google Arts & Culture, The Strong recently launched the online exhibit The Jewish History of the Toy, Game, Pinball, and Video Game Industries. This digital experience explores the remarkable contributions of Jewish inventors, designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators whose work has helped shape the world of play.
Honoring Video Game Legends
As home to the prestigious World Video Game Hall of Fame, The Strong recognizes electronic games that have made lasting contributions to popular culture and the gaming industry.
The museum proudly welcomed four new inductees into the 2026 World Video Game Hall of Fame:
Angry Birds
Dragon Quest
EA Sports FIFA International Soccer
Silent Hill
These groundbreaking titles have entertained millions of players worldwide while influencing game design, storytelling, competition, and popular culture across generations.
A Destination for Every Generation
From imaginative play spaces and fascinating historical exhibits to beautiful butterfly encounters and world-famous gaming collections, The Strong National Museum of Play offers something for visitors of every age.
Whether you're introducing young children to the joy of creative play, revisiting favorite childhood memories, or exploring the history behind some of the world's most iconic games, every visit is filled with discovery, inspiration, and fun.
At The Strong National Museum of Play, play is more than entertainment—it's a powerful force that connects people, encourages learning, and reminds us that imagination has no age limit.
