Crown Heights Landmark Featured in New Brooklyn Monopoly

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Shalom Burkis/COLlive

The Jewish Children’s Museum, a world-renowned Crown Heights landmark, was selected as a location to be featured in the new Brooklyn edition of the beloved classic game Monopoly.

The Brooklyn edition of the classic board game, under license from Hasbro, includes many known Brooklyn locations such as Prospect Park, Sunset Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park, landmarks like the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch and Brooklyn Bridge, entertainment destinations Coney Island and Barclays Center, and subway stations such as Kings Highway and Utica Avenue.

The Jewish Children’s Museum, a Crown Heights tourist destination and beloved institution, is the only Jewish location in the game, and is included along with cultural institutions the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

“Brooklyn is one of the most exciting cities in the U.S. with many incredible pioneering establishments and cherished locations. We’ve spent months creating a portrayal of this dynamic community that we hope locals and visitors alike will enjoy for years to come,” said Dennis Gavaghen, representative from Top Trumps USA, the company behind the game. “We’ve incorporated important feedback from locals to truly make this a fun and engaging game for Brooklynites and beyond.”

Devorah Halberstam, who co-founded the Jewish Children’s Museum in memory of her son Ari Halberstam, who was murdered by a terrorist in 1994, was on hand for the launch. The Museum was built as a memorial to Ari and as a place for people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths to learn about the Jewish culture and heritage.

“Monopoly brings back so many childhood memories and iconic places,” Halberstam told COLlive.com. “Seeing the JCM displayed on the board as one of Brooklyn’s valued landmarks further demonstrates that our vision has become a reality. I am so excited knowing that this means we are going from strength to strength, as we continue to grow and educate children for generations to come.”

Halberstam said being a part of the classic game also evokes memories of her son Ari. “It makes me yearn for Ari, who was a great sport and loved the game. He surely would get a kick out of being on a board game representing Jewish identity,” she said.

Monopoly Brooklyn Edition is now available for $39.99 at the Jewish Children’s Museum and other select locations, and on Amazon.