The Strong National Museum of Play is one of the largest museums of history in the United States, but it is the only one devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is also the only one to feature giant-sized Monopoly set pieces, the world’s largest operating Donkey Kong video game and whole lot more thanks to the opening of the museum’s 90,000-square-foot-expansion.
As of June 30, 2023, the museum now includes one-of-a-kind exhibits dedicated to electronic games and the changing technologies of play, and a larger-than-life board game themed outdoor park. I’m not a huge fan of history, but this is one history museum that I can get behind. It looks fantastic and, well, fun! They seem to think so too.
“We are thrilled to commemorate the successful grand opening of The Strong’s new expansion,” said Steve Dubnik, president & CEO of The Strong. “This momentous occasion signifies a remarkable milestone for the museum and our unwavering commitment to showcasing the important influence of play. With the introduction of our interactive exhibits and unique experiences, we extend a warm invitation to guests of all ages to explore these extraordinary new spaces. We hope to continue to inspire and educate through the rich tapestry of play’s history and exploration.”
The Strong’s new additions include:
Hasbro Board Game Place
Here you’ll find a 15-foot tall replica of Hasbro’s iconic Chutes and Ladders game and unique artifacts from other games like The Game of Life, Scrabble, Simon, Jenga, Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.
(The Strong National Museum of Play)
Hasbro Game Park
The 17,000-square-foot outdoor park resembles a giant game board where you the playing pieces! Along the interactive pathway you’ll come up tall Candy Land candy canes, larger-than-life Scrabble tiles and a 14-foot-tall Scottie dog who has run away from a Monopoly set. You’ll also see super big hotel and house pieces too. Some of the activities found here include the wheelchair-accessible Game of Life spinner, giant real wooden Jenga blocks and a super-sized Simon game. Watch out for the five-headed D & D dragon and take a rest on one of the Trivial Pursuit wedge benches.
ESL Digital Worlds: Level Up
Just outside of this 24,000-square-foot exhibit, you’ll find the world’s largest playable Donkey Kong video game. It’s more than enough to entice to explore further. The space is dedicated to the history and artistry of electronic games. In Level Up, you can create an avatar and jump into video games, play way through video game scenarios with physical activities, quests, and puzzles. High Score is the new home for the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Here you can learn about the business and art of the video game industry. It also includes the Women in Games exhibit.
(The Strong National Museum of Play)
ESL Digital Worlds: High Score
This area of the museum explores the cultural importance of electronic games and how the medium has changed the way people play and connect. There is a World Video Hall of Fame, a 90-foot long digital timeline of electronic game history, rare artifacts, a giant TV Tennis game and humongous version of a handheld electronic football game.
In addition to the new exhibits, The Strong’s expansion features a welcome atrium and gift shop on the first floor and a connection to a new parking garage. With the newly opened exhibits, The Strong hopes to welcome nearly one million visitors by 2026.
Main Image: (The Strong National Museum of Play)
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