The Strong Museum or Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York is devoted to playing. The museum was built to research play in the American culture. While the museum is delightful for children, it is more than that. It is a history museum that looks through the variety of toys, how play has evolved, and what it is today. Children, families, adults, students, scholars, collectors, and educators can all find something in the Strong Museum to capture their interests. Science devotes many hours to exploring cultures, history of cultures, and even how animals play. It is not surprising that a group of people have decided to study the animal that is most prevalent in the world- the Human. As humans our minds work much differently and yet the same as other animals. We have instincts, and yet can be very adaptable. The museum strives to show us this in play.
Margaret Woodbury Strong was a collector of dolls and toys, among other things. She founded the museum in 1968 to show her collection, and at her death left her estate to the state. 14 years later the museum was placed in a 156,000 square foot building on 13 acres of Rochester land. In the 90's the museum progressed even further with a carousel and 1950's diner. In 2002 the museum accepted the National Toy Hall of Fame, and since then it has become one of the largest children's and history museum. On site are two museum shops, a food court, three restaurants, and numerous collections.
One can spend the entire day in the Strong Museum. Museum hours are Monday through Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. There is also a butterfly garden at the museum which is open 11am to 5pm, 11am to 7pm, and 12pm to 5pm respectively. The museum does take toy donations to help the world, so on a visit one might bring a favored toy. General Admission is for the museum, and not the Butterfly Garden. Adults are $11 per person, Seniors $10, and Children (2 to 15) $9. For the Butterfly Garden an additional $3 is added to the museum admission. Members must pay $1.50 for the garden. There are Matinee admission prices which are from 3pm to 5pm Monday through Thursday.
The Strong Museum is broken into different sections. Reading Adventureland is all about life size popup books with children's favorite stories. One can walk through the exhibit reading the books and experiencing them. A super kids market is a supermarket for children where they can learn to count, buy food, and eat healthy. Sesame Street even has a museum location. This exhibit is interactive where one can become part of Sesame Street by walking along the famous neighborhood.
National Toy Hall of Fame, Field of Play, the Berenstain Bears, Carousel, Strong Express Train, and other exhibits exist at the Strong Museum. There are journeys, play times, and much more to explore and have fun. Adults will be able to step back in time and become children again.
