The newest exhibit at the Children’s Museum, Comic Book Heroes Featuring the Max Simon Comic Book Collection, lets guests view — for the first time ever — a collection of more than 19,000 comic books amassed by the late Max Simon, son of Mel and Brenda Simon. The 7,000-square-foot exhibit created by the Children’s Museum opens May 3, and highlights the people who bring comic books to life and those who preserve them, while demonstrating that anyone can be a comic book hero just by harnessing their creative talents.

Collecting Marvel and DC comics, Simon accumulated not only extensive runs of X-men, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers, he also sought variety by collecting 1980s and 1990s Wonder Woman, Batman, Incredible Hulk, the Justice League and the Teen Titans. He also cultivated a strong collection of back issues of classics as well as exploring new comic stories from smaller publishers. Comic Book Heroes displays rare and unusual comic books, related artifacts from popular television shows and movies along with interactive opportunities to immerse children and adults alike in the amazing world of comics.

The exhibit will remain up for a year. For information, contact the Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St., at 317-334-3322 or www.childrensmuseum.org.