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"Topps Pop Culture: Home Runs to Hollywood" Open Now
Original Show Features Sports Legends, Iconic Pop Culture Props and Costumes
Baseball meets Batman in the latest special exhibition at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (LSMF). The attraction has teamed up with Topps, the legendary card maker, to create the first-ever retrospective of Topps® trading cards. The show opens March 14 and runs through October 4, 2015.
Along with iconic baseball cards, Topps has also produced collectible cards for other sports and pop culture giants such as Star Wars, the Beatles, and Pokémon. Props, costumes and artifacts from movies, television, music, comics and cartoons will be displayed alongside their Topps cards, including these monumental pieces:
Luke Skywalker's Light Saber* Indiana Jones’ Whip Adam West's Batman Costume* Christopher Reeve's Superman Costume* Nichelle Nichols’ Lt. Uhura Costume* Elvis Presley's Scarf Ringo Starr’s 1964 Drumsticks Jobu Doll from Major League
“There’s something fun for everyone in this show,” said Anne Jewell, VP and Executive Director of LSMF. “Topps has an amazing history and ability to tap into the cultural current. We’re thrilled to partner with such a powerhouse and share their entertaining story with our guests.”
Baseball Bat Bike
For generations, the sound of a trading card slapping against the spokes of a bike is a nostalgic and happy memory. That experience will be enjoyed by guests as they crank the wheel of a bike specially made for this exhibition out of Louisville Slugger baseball bat lumber. The bike is a handcrafted work of art by Denver-based bike maker, Chris Connor. It will be rigged with a clothespin and card to produce that one-of-a-kind sound.
From its beginnings as a gum and candy company, Topps has grown into a global brand dedicated to entertaining all ages.
“We’re excited to partner with Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory for this exhibition. Our brands are both woven into our country’s history and future.” Said Clay Luraschi, VP Product Development for The Topps Company. “At Topps we’re all about celebrating pop culture, sports, and edible entertainment. This show delivers it all in one engaging package,” he added.
The exhibit joins an already impressive line-up at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Admission to the museum includes interactive exhibits, a short feature film, historic memorabilia, the World’s Biggest Baseball Bat and an award-winning factory tour.
The museum, which opened in 1996, remains one of Louisville’s most popular attractions, and welcomed its 4-millionth guest in 2014. The Louisville landmark features a wide range of exhibits, including Hold a Piece of History where visitors can hold game-used bats from some of the game’s greatest hitters. Visitors can also face down a 90-mph fastball, check out more than 6,000 autographs from major leaguers, and watch bats being made on every tour.
As an added bonus, all guests receive a free souvenir mini-bat at the end of their factory tour.
*Pieces are owned by The Azarian Collection (azariancollection.com)