OUR VERY OWN 'TOY STORY.' The Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire now presents, “America's Monsters, Superheroes, and Villains: Our Culture at Play” through January 2026. The installation features bits and pieces from the lifelong collectors of SuperMonster市City! and its co-founder, David Barnhill.

Monsters, superheroes and villains — oh my! A new local museum installation invites you to explore the evolution of iconic characters and discover how each mirrors shifts in societal values.

The Chippewa Valley Museum (1204 E. Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire) presents “America's Monsters, Superheroes, and Villains: Our Culture at Play,” now through January of 2026.

Once patrons enter the museum in Carson Park, they will find a collection of figurines, movie posters, apparel, comic books and other collectibles (alongside several other permanent exhibits). This immersive display is thanks to the collectors of SuperMonster市City! and its co-founder, David Barnhill.

Dustyn Dubuque, the museum’s development manager — also a self-described collector and fan of all-things monsters — said the installation offers something for residents of all ages; not only can folks enjoy the nostalgia of toys and memorabilia from their childhood, but also discover the unconscious themes embedded through pop culture figures.

A view from inside of The Chippewa Valley Museum and “America's Monsters, Superheroes, and Villains: Our Culture at Play.”

Trading cards, figurines and even PEZ candy dispensers (pictured above) have been amassed over the years by Barnhill.

“Museums want to teach you — through the lens of something — about different parts of our history,” Dubuque said. “I am most interested in being reminded of the importance that some of these (figures and toys) have on so many people, and this exhibit only scratches that surface.”

“America's Monsters, Superheroes, and Villains: Our Culture at Play” explores themes including the pursuit of truth and justice, the evolution of national identity, empathy for innocent monsters and outsiders, how Star Wars saved America, and others as imagined by new viewers.

Over the years, Barnhill has amassed a collection of over 200,000 items including toys, comic books, posters and films — all centered around the supernatural, terrifying and even villainous aspects of pop culture. Barnhill's extensive collection mirrors an increasing trend in the Chippewa Valley, too, where a community of collectors shares similar passions for amassing their own physical media.

Chris McHugh, owner of Allegedly Collectable (800 Wisconsin St., Bldg. 13, Unit 13, Eau Claire) and a lifelong collector, has filled his storefront with a treasure trove of nostalgia and nods to his favorite youthful elements of history.

To watch old cartoons, read vintage comic books, play pinball at an arcade — or even flip through Garbage Pail Kids cards — each of these experiences transport you back to a time when life felt simpler and better, McHugh said.

Dubuque hopes the Chippewa Valley will discover multi-generational connections through play, as new viewers engage with these comforting forms of entertainment.

The museum will also offer recurring events throughout the year to complement the exhibition’s themes with specific insights on the realms of monsters, villains and the art of collection in all shapes and forms.

“Everybody collects something; I am into pro wrestling and I collect toys from that,” Dubuque said. “Even me — as a collector of (those toys) — I can have discussions with other people just based on collections alone.”

As Dubuque and McHugh suitably put it, this exhibit is pure fun, “cool,” nostalgic — and invites the chance to discover something with every new visit to the Chippewa Valley Museum.

For more information on the Chippewa Valley Museum's display of “America's Monsters, Superheroes, and Villains: Our Culture at Play” — and special events tied to the exhibit — visit cvmuseum.com or follow along via the museum's social media platforms (@chippewavalleymuseum).