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Established in 1918, Ripley’s is inspired by stories of people and places that are incredibly hard to believe, but undeniably true!

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Ripley's Believe It or Not! logo

Established in 1918, Ripley’s is inspired by stories of people and places that are incredibly hard to believe, but undeniably true!

Tickets
About Us Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About

Over a Century of Strange

Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About - Chumps
Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About 1918

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!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About 1930

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!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About - Radio
Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About - Radio
Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About 1930

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!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! - 1933 Odditorium
Ripley's Believe It or Not! - About 1933

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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Robert Wadlow Exhibit at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Williamsburg