Established in 1918, Ripley’s is inspired by stories of people and places that are incredibly hard to believe, but undeniably true!
Established in 1918, Ripley’s is inspired by stories of people and places that are incredibly hard to believe, but undeniably true!
Over a Century of Strange
On December 19, 1918, the first Believe It or Not!—then called “Champs and Chumps”—was published and featured a collection of sports oddities Ripley had saved. Soon after, in 1922, Ripley embarked on his first around-the-world trip and published his travel journals, which led to the very first Believe It or Not! book in 1929!
On the heels of his fame, Ripley signed with NBC for a 14-year radio run. Believe It or Not!, Robert Ripley was the first to broadcast underground and even underwater!
On the heels of his fame, Ripley signed with NBC for a 14-year radio run. Believe It or Not!, Robert Ripley was the first to broadcast underground and even underwater!
The first Odditorium opened in Chicago, Illinois, at the 1933 World’s Fair. Inside the museum were dozens of Ripley’s famous cartoons, live performers, and hundreds of strange and exotic artifacts Ripley acquired on his worldly travels. The success of his Odditorium led to several more appearances at world expositions across the country, and—of course—today’s Attractions!
Where Seeing Is Believing
We welcome you to the world of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, where truth is always stranger than fiction and the unbelievable comes alive right before your very eyes! Explore the unusual and fascinating exhibits collected by the world-famous traveler Robert Ripley to be amazed, astounded, and—most of all—entertained!
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