HOT SPRINGS -- As yet another Star Wars movie swoops into multiplexes this weekend, its arrival figures to bring more visitors to a Hot Springs museum packed with memorabilia from the astronomically popular fantasy series.
The Galaxy Connection, opened three years ago elsewhere in the Spa City, moved in October to 626 Central Ave., across from Bathhouse Row. It's owned and operated by fantasy aficionado Jon Clowers, who has spent years collecting Star Wars artifacts from around the country.
The most eye-catching objects on display are full-size figures of characters from the seven previous films in the series launched by George Lucas in 1977. Posed at the entrance to the museum's several rooms is a mannequin of young Anakin Skywalker, revealed in 1999's The Phantom Menace as the future Darth Vader.
Other life-size models of note include the adult Darth Vader, Imperial Stormtroopers and the much maligned Jar Jar Binks. There is no replica, alas, of the hilariously obese Jabba the Hutt. But another highlight is a model of renegade pilot Han Solo frozen in a block of carbonite as he was at Jabba's orders in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back.
Most of one room, as well as the museum's gift shop, is devoted to the host of souvenirs spun over the years from the Star Wars franchise. The merchandise runs from action figures and board games to light sabers and trading cards. The gift shop's wares are a mother lode for Christmas shoppers with a budding Luke Skywalker on their list.
Recently added to The Galaxy Connection is a room at the back focused on superheroes from other movies and video games. Fans of Batman, Superman, Captain America and their ilk can take additional pleasure.
On the popular consumer site tripadvisor.com, a visitor from Jonesboro commented: "This is a good little museum for Star Wars lovers. Let me repeat, for Star Wars lovers. The owner has a large collection of vintage toys, costumes and custom-made objects that most fans will enjoy. The toys, in particular, brought back a number of childhood memories for me."
A tourist from Muldrow, Okla., wrote: "This is a personal collection with a nice story behind it. Worth the money if you like Star Wars. The staff is very knowledgeable on the contents of the museum and is very friendly."
The Galaxy Connection, 626 Central Ave., Hot Springs, is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Off-season admission is $7 (free for infants 2 years old or younger). Guided tours by owner Jon Clowers are available by prior appointment for $15 per person at specified times Friday and Saturday.
For details, visit thegalaxyconnection.comor call (501) 276-4432.
Weekend on 12/15/2016