BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Strong National Museum of Play has completed a huge expansion with colorful outdoor spaces and two awesome exhibits dedicated to video games past and present.
Senior director of public relations, Shane Rhinewald, says that the exhibit features electronic games from throughout all different decades.
"At the end of June, we opened a 90,000 square foot new wing of the museum. It's dedicated to electronic games and the way that they've changed the way that people play. Because more than any other medium, in the last few decades, video games are the biggest mover and shaker in the world of play," Rhinewald said.
There are two huge arcade sections. High Score, which details how games have changed over the decades. You can play some of the world’s most beloved games on huge screens, and check out the World’s Video Game Hall of Fame.
Revisit characters like Mario & Luigi, Link from Zelda, Lara croft, Crash Bandicoot, Sonic even Pa Rappa The Rapper. From ages six to 66, you’ll find a video game that will bring back memories. The exhibit even has a couch, just like at home.
Down the hall, is the Level Up section, which puts you into the video game experiences.
You can create an avatar, become a character in a video game and even try to be a voice actor.
The Level Up exhibit breaks down the different components of electronic games and encourages you to explore your creativity. Of course, kids will have fun here in the new space, but it is the parents who will likely have the fondest memories of these classic video games.
The world's largest Donkey Kong is here, standing 20 feet high. The Strong National Museum of Play is just an hour from Lancaster, and the website can be found at www.museumofplay.org.