toy story

New Houston Toy Museum showcases rare, unforgettable collector pieces in the Heights

Luke Skywalker action figure Houston Toy Museum

The Force is strong with this original Luke Skywalker figure.

Kids and grownup kids can soon delight in a toy-lover’s paradise. The Houston Toy Museum will celebrate a grand opening on Thursday, October 6 in the historic Heights. The toy museum (321 W. 19th St., Suite C) will be housed in the former home of thrift store Retropolis.

Passionate toy fans and casual viewers can gaze upon thousands of artifacts, some, like preserved teddy bears, dating back to the 1890s. As they browse, visitors can learn the origins of the toys they know and love while exploring exhibits covering everything from S.T.E.A.M. toys to racial representation and gender stereotypes in the toy industry, according to press materials.

Standouts include a 1985 G.I. Joe U.S.S. Flagg aircraft carrier, a “holy grail find,” Matt Broussard, the museum’s Chief Toy Officer (greatest title ever), tells CultureMap. The carrier ranges from $1,600 to $2,000 in online auction sites.

Other can’t-miss pieces include an original Mickey Mouse from the early 1930s, vintage Match Box trucks, and a 1972 Batman figure (that totally screams “bam!” and “pow!”) replete with the original cloth costume. A must-have for any Gen-Xer or sci-fi fan: several Star Wars action figures, including Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Darth Vader.

Barbie fans can enjoy a Barbie — in-box — that comes with additional wigs, circa 1960s, as well as the beloved and popular Malibu Barbie. Strawberry Shortcake fans will delight in several dolls.

Given the rare (read: expensive) status of these toys, items will be showcased behind thick glass. But, as Broussard notes, “you can’t let a kid walk through a toy museum and not let them touch a toy.” Thus, designated play areas feature vintage toys, coloring books, and video game stations featuring original Nintendo , Atari, Playstation 2 consoles. Even infants can indulge via a soft play station.

While a majority of the toys will quickly evoke an “oh yeah!” or “I remember that!” from viewers, some may elicit some side-eyes or even gasps, as they reflect an era of less cultural sensitivity to ethnic groups and women. But they’re all a part of toy history and reflect the culture of the times, Broussard reminds.

A labor of love between Broussard and his wife Sara, the toy museum has been in the works for two years and delayed due to renovations. As the curator, Matt Broussard says his toy collection, which he’s been accumulating for more than 15 years, will be constantly changing and updated.

“The hunt,” he says, echoing toy collectors everywhere, “is never over.”

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Houston Toy Museum; 321 W. 19th, Suite C in The Heights. For hours and more information, visit the official site.

Helping hand

ExxonMobil donates $3 million to Houston nonprofit that feeds hungry kids

Courtesy of Kids’ Meals

The 50,000-square-foot building will triple the size of Kids' Meals' headquarters.

At its annual Harvest Luncheon last week, Kids’ Meals, a a nonprofit combatting childhood food insecurity and hunger, received a huge boost: a $3 million gift from ExxonMobil. The gift makes a milestone for the organization.

“We are incredibly grateful to ExxonMobil for the generous $3 million donation, which is the largest corporate donation Kids’ Meals has ever received, both in size and in impact,” CEO Beth Harp said in a statement.

The nonprofit will use the gift toward its new campus, a 50,000-square-foot facility in Spring Branch. Kids’ Meals broke ground on the project in June.

The new building will nearly triple the size of its current headquarters, further helping Kids’ Meals achieve its goal of serving 26,000 children each weekday by 2031. The organization currently serves over 9,000 children every weekday through its 18,500-square-foot headquarters in Garden Oaks. The new building will carry Exxon-Mobil’s name.

“In establishing the Kids’ Meals ExxonMobil Campus, we will be able to expand our programs, reach more children in need, and make a lasting impact on the lives of countless families in the Houston area,” said Harp. “Together, we’re feeding the future and providing hope.”

Founded in 2006, Kids’ Meals serves children ages five and under, and is the only organization in the country that delivers free, healthy meals to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest children. Since its inception, the organization has delivered more than 14 million meals to children in 56 Houston-area zip codes. After delivering a record-breaking 2.4 million meals in 2023, the nonprofit is on track to deliver 2.7 million meals in 2024.

The Harvest Luncheon is the nonprofit’s biggest event of the year. The event raises funds to provide more than 500,000 meals for preschool-aged children. Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s daughters, Sarah and Whitney, chaired the event. Best-selling author Bob Goff served as keynote speaker.

Courtesy of Kids’ Meals

The 50,000-square-foot building will triple the size of Kids' Meals' headquarters.

toy story

New Houston Toy Museum showcases rare, unforgettable collector pieces in the Heights

Helping hand

ExxonMobil donates $3 million to Houston nonprofit that feeds hungry kids

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