The Galaxy Connection

Have you ever dreamed of returning to the golden era of your childhood? In the city of Hot Springs, located in the USA, there is a place that literally stops time. The Galaxy Connection is a unique museum of vintage toys and pop culture that has become a true mecca for fans of iconic film franchises and comics.

The exhibition features an impressive collection of artifacts from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Here, under one roof, Jedi Knights from Star Wars reside alongside Marvel and DC superheroes, Transformers, and legends like G.I. Joe, He-Man, and Barbie. This is not just an exhibition, but an inspiring space whose mission is to give hope and faith in goodness through the images of beloved heroes.

The museum grew from the personal collection of figures owned by Jon Clowers and now features thousands of rare exhibits. Among them, you can see a massive 7-foot U.S.S. Flagg aircraft carrier, original comics, and full-size replicas of Han Solo in carbonite. It is a perfect place for those who want to feel a pleasant spark of nostalgia and show their children the toys of their generation.

For visit details or to book a private tour, you can use the following contact information:

Visitors are in for more than just passive viewing; it’s a true interactive adventure. One of the main highlights is the private tours, during which guides tell amazing stories about the creation of each item, tailoring the narrative to your interests—whether it's the history of Superman or the intricacies of the Star Wars universe.

Total immersion is encouraged at The Galaxy Connection: you can try on authentic Jedi robes, hold lightsabers, and take unique photos with detailed replicas of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, or adorable Ewoks. For collectors and lovers of rarities, there are displays featuring rare baseball cards and first-edition comics.

Before leaving, be sure to stop by the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs. Notably, the museum's proceeds go toward supporting charitable projects, including aid for children's hospitals and schools, so your visit will not only provide you with great memories but also contribute to a good cause.

Finding this center of nostalgia is easy—it is located at 536 Ouachita Ave, in close proximity to the historic city center and the famous Bathhouse Row. If you are already exploring downtown, the walk to the museum will take only 10–15 minutes.

For those traveling by car, free city parking is available nearby. Travelers arriving at Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT) airport will need only about 10 minutes by taxi or rental car to reach the site. You can also use local bus lines or Greyhound, which make stops in Hot Springs.

The story of this place began in 2013 as a personal passion of Jon Clowers. He was born in 1977—the very year the first Star Wars film was released. The saga inspired him so much with its themes of hope and the struggle between good and evil that he began collecting vintage figures, which decades later turned into one of the most impressive private collections in the country.

Initially, the museum was located on Hobson Avenue, but over time the collection grew so large that the project moved to a more spacious building on Ouachita Avenue. Gradually, Marvel and DC superheroes, as well as toys from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, were added to the Star Wars exhibits. Many items were found by Jon and his wife at auctions or received as gifts, after which they were carefully restored.

Interestingly, The Galaxy Connection is more than just a commercial project. The owner directed the museum's profits into creating a non-profit organization. Costumed characters from the collection regularly visit children's hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, helping children cope with difficulties and inspiring them to do good deeds, following the philosophy of George Lucas.

A standard tour of the exhibits and participation in some interactive activities usually takes about 1–2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely browse the displays and take memorable photos with your favorite characters.

If you decide to book a detailed private tour or if you are an avid collector who wants to study every rare comic and figure, you should set aside a bit more time for your visit. Families with children also often stay longer, captivated by the playful atmosphere and the chance to try on costumes.

Because the museum is actively involved in off-site charitable events and community activities, its operating schedule may change periodically. To ensure your visit goes as planned, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website or contacting the administration by phone before heading out.

Typically, the museum welcomes guests throughout the day, but booking tours in advance via the online form guarantees your place in a group and provides a deeper immersion into the history of the collection.

Its downtown location makes the museum an excellent starting point for further exploration of the region. A walk around the neighborhood will allow you to combine immersion in pop culture with visits to historical landmarks and natural beauties.