The Toy & Action Figure Museum
4.7(629)google
4.5(46)yelp
Quirky
Overview
An action figure is a poseable character model figure made most commonly of plastic, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, military, video game, television program, or sport; fictional or historical. These figures are usually marketed toward boys and adult collectors. The term was coined by Hasbro in 1964 to market G.I. Joe to boys (while competitors called similar offerings boy's dolls).
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeThe world's first museum dedicated to action figures is an indoor year-round treasure. Plan to enter on Saturday mornings between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM; this gives you the quietest window to marvel at the 13,000+ vintage Star Wars and Marvel pop-culture collectibles covering every wall.
Getting ThereLocated in the historic grid of Pauls Valley at 111 S Chickasaw St. Driving is the only efficient option: travel south from OKC along I-35 South for roughly 55 miles to Exit 72, head east on Highway 19 into the town center, and turn right. Free angled parallel street parking frames the building.
Travel Tips
- Located in Pauls Valley, operating schedules are highly seasonal: open Wednesday-Sunday from March to September, but slashing back to Friday-Sunday only from October to February; plan accordingly.
- Displaying over 13,000 vintage superhero action figures, photography is allowed but law strictly prohibits touching or pulling at any unshielded fragile obsolete blister packs or loose plastic models.
- Due to compact and narrow display lanes filled with dense dioramas, oversized double strollers and rolling hard cases are denied entry; families with toddlers must utilize front-facing infant body carriers.
Reviews
Positive
- A pilgrimage for toy and superhero buffs! Packed with over 13,000 vintage and modern action figures from Batman to Star Wars. Visual thrill is supreme.
- Though dense, toys are creatively arranged in detailed themed dioramas. Features clear signage along with a dedicated kids' drawing and play zone.
- The small-town curator and staff are incredibly energetic and warm, sharing quirky backstories of rare collections under safe, personal guidance.
- Admission tickets are very low and budget-friendly (just a few dollars). For seas of rare, vaulted collectible toys, it is a magnificent bargain.
Heads up
- Located in the remote small town of Pauls Valley, nearly an hour's drive from the city hub. Public transit connectivity is completely non-existent.
- The entire building is just a single single-floor layout; the indoor space is cramped and tight. Without intense nostalgia, a quick walk takes 20 mins.
- Due to compact rooms packed with plastic toys and murals, weekend family crowds make it noisy and stuffy. Some ceiling-hung items lack detailed plaques.
- There are no restaurants or cafes inside, and being in a rural town, main street diner hours are erratic; tourists should bring their own food.