New Exhibition Opens May 27, 2023

At Play in the Atomic Age showcases the toys, games, music, and books of the Atomic Age

[Albuquerque, NM] –On May 27, 2023, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History will open a temporary exhibit, At Play in the Atomic Age, featuring over one hundred artifacts from the permanent collection of the Nuclear Museum and artifacts acquired on loan specifically for this exhibition.

About the Exhibit

The toys of the Atomic Age reflect the times and culture of their day. The Atomic Age was born with the Manhattan Project and blasted into the public’s consciousness in 1945. Almost as soon as the public became aware of the existence of the bomb, all things “atomic” became marketable. The promise of a technological future and the threat of nuclear war is reflected in the toys, games, music, and books produced. Their makers sought to provide children with the tools to help them to relate to the world around them and prepare them for a potentially bright but uncertain future.

“Atomic-themed toys appeared within weeks of the announcement of the creation of the atomic bomb, and they continue to be produced to this day,” said Jennifer Hayden, CEO and President of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. “We are excited to share our specially curated exhibit of atomic-themed toy trains with museum guests ranging from an “Atomic Train” of the 1950s to nuclear waste transport railcars from the early 2000s. Displayed games will examine both the military and energy production aspects of nuclear science, and a collection of chemistry and nuclear science kits will look at the educational toys of the atomic age. Books, magazines, and comic books will show the impact of the atomic age on children’s literature while examples of popular music and vintage movie posters look at entertainment outside of toys and games.”

At Play in the Atomic Age will be on display at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History from May 27 through December 31, 2023.

The event is included with paid Museum admission.

For more information about this event, please call 505-245-2137 extension 116

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