Kenner and the Creation of the Modern Toy

March 19 to June 27, 2027

Though the legendary Star Wars galaxy first sprang from the imagination of George Lucas, the Star Wars action figure was born right here in Cincinnati! In the late 1970s, a passionate team of designers, sculptors, and dreamers at Kenner Products transformed movie magic into something kids could hold in their hands. Those 3¾-inch figures didn’t just launch a toy line, they ignited imaginations, inspired a generation of storytellers and created a collecting legacy that’s still thriving nearly 50 years later.

Now, that incredible hometown story is ready to take center stage.

The SAGA Museum of Star Wars Memorabilia and Cincinnati Museum Center are joining forces to create a one-of-a-kind featured exhibition at Union Terminal in Cincinnati, Ohio. This immersive experience will celebrate the creativity, ingenuity and joyful spirit of play that turned a bold licensing gamble into a worldwide phenomenon.

Visitors will journey through the fascinating history of Kenner Products from how they secured the Star Wars license to the innovative marketing strategies and groundbreaking production techniques that launched the original action figure line.

But we need your help to bring this exhibition to life.

Your financial support will help create an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Whether you grew up staging epic battles on your living room floor or are discovering the magic for the first time, this exhibition belongs to you and with your support, it can inspire generations to come.

Join us. Be part of the story. Help us celebrate the Cincinnati roots of a galaxy far, far away.