The Strong National Museum of Play (also known as just The Strong Museum or simply the Strong) is located in Rochester, New York. Established in 1969, the museum was initially based on the personal collection of Rochester native Margaret Woodbury Strong. After several years of planning, cataloguing, and exhibition development for the museum’s new building in downtown Rochester, the museum opened to the public in 1982. Today The Strong National Museum of Play is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. From a coin operated arcade element, The Museum of Play is home to National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Strong Museum spans 300,000 sq feet and contains over 550,000 artifacts. Its expansive coin operated arcade game collection is impressive. The devotion to our specific industry and games in the museum collection is extensive.
In February 2021 Strong acquired materials including design documentation, concept artwork, correspondence, photographs, magazines, fliers, and catalogs related to Ralph Coppola and the games Innovative Concept in Entertainment had produced to date. Press Release: The Strong Acquires Ralph Coppola papers. The iconic Super Chexx Bubble Hockey is a mainstay at the museum. At different stages other ICE games that have been available to play including Cyclone, Down the Clown, Hoop Fever, Hungry Hungry Hippos and, more recently, Angry Birds. Joe Coppola (President) and Dan Coppola (Vice President) recently had the opportunity to get an incredible behind-the-scenes tour from Steve Dubnik (President and CEO), Jeremy Saucier (Assistant Vice President for Interpretation and Electronic Games at The Strong) and Lisa Feinstien (Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships)
Dan Coppola had this to say, “The Strong National Museum of Play is a treasure and what they are continually doing to preserve the coin operated arcade industry is incredible. The Strong does an incredible job to maintain and tell the history of our great industry. The place has something for everyone.”
Jeremy Saucier, Assistant Vice President for Interpretation and Electronic Games at The Strong, said, “Over the last four decades, ICE has grown into one of the most significant companies in the coin-operated game industry. We’re proud to care for materials and games related to ICE’s history, and to showcase through our exhibits the company’s important role in the history of coin-operated games. It was an absolute pleasure to share with Joe and Dan in-person. The Strong’s work to preserve and explore the history of the game industry and the broader story of how we play.”
Dan Coppola concluded “Joe and I are grateful for the opportunity, from a personal standpoint, that the Museum has done to preserve ICE’s history. From an arcade and ICE standpoint aside, what Strong has to offer toddlers, teenagers, adults and grandparents is an incredible experience. From the moment you walk in and see the carousel and ropes course, to the highly interactive Sesame Street exhibit and Wegmans store to their butterfly garden. This gem has something for everyone to enjoy! One would be hard-pressed to not find enjoyment from a visit to Strong. We thank them for everything they do!”
Joe and Dan learned that Strong is opened 362 days a year! It is a history museum that truly engages all, with hands-on exhibits and the world’s most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, games & video games.
