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    toy story

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

    Steven Devadanam
    Sep 29, 2022 | 3:55 pm
    Luke Skywalker action figure Houston Toy Museum

    The Force is strong with this original Luke Skywalker figure.

    Photos via Houston Toy Museum

    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.”

    -----

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

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    Houston's pioneering South American steakhouse will soon shutter in River Oaks

    Texas Monthly's BBQ Snob dishes on the magazine's new top 50 list

    'Famous' Bronx-based pizza chain fires up 3 Houston locations

    This Week's Hot Headlines

    Houston billionaire ranks among top U.S. landowners and more popular stories

    CultureMap Staff
    Jun 14, 2025 | 11:01 am
    HMNS Great Outdoors Gala 2022 Russell and Glenda Gordy and Red FJ Cruiser
    Photo by Jenny Antill
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, including a look at one of America's top landowners. Plus, the sad closure of a pioneering steakhouse and a popular pizzeria makes plans for Houston. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then head here to plan your weekend.

    1. Houston oil-and-gas billionaire ranks among America's top 100 landowners. About one-fourth of the country’s mega-owners of private land have ties to Texas, either living here, owning land here, or both. The highest-ranked Houston-based landowner is oil-and-gas billionaire Russell Gordy.

    2. Houston's pioneering South American steakhouse will soon shutter in River Oaks. Sad news for inner loopers who are fans of plantain chips, wood-grilled steaks, and Houston’s best tres leches. The River Oaks location of South American steakhouse Churrascos will close Monday, June 16.

    3. Texas Monthly's BBQ Snob dishes on the magazine's new top 50 list. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn joins CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the magazine’s new list of the 50 best barbecue joints in Texas.

    4. 'Famous' Bronx-based pizza chain fires up 3 Houston locations. A New York-based pizza chain has big plans for Houston. Called Singas Famous Pizza, the restaurant will soon open three locations in the area.

    Singas PizzaSingas Pizza is coming to Houston.Photo courtesy of Singas

    5. Texas slides down the list of best U.S. state economies for 2025. Texas' robust economy may be showing some cracks. Texas now ranks as the state with the eighth best economy, four spots lower than one year ago, according to a new report.

    most popular storiesbillionairesrankingsreportsclosingstexas monthlybbqpizzaopeningsreal estatehot-headlines
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