Watching “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” with my parents was one of the things I remember most about my childhood. Perhaps you are feeling nostalgic right now, too.
From 1949 to 2003, this popular TV show had been an unforgettable memory for many children. It might be too spooky at times, I admit, but that’s what makes the show intriguing. We couldn’t take our eyes off the screen, simply because all the bizarre events and strange items brought to viewers were way too enchanting.
And if you used to be a fan of the show just like me, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood outlet will be your favorite stop in California. Venturing through this odditorium, adults and children alike will find themselves lost in curiosity, mysteries, and endless surprises!
An Introduction To ‘Ripley’s Believe It Or Not’ Franchise
In case you are not familiar with this, “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” is a franchise founded by Robert Ripley – cartoonist, entrepreneur, and icon for all things bizarre.
Having spent his whole life traveling around the world, Ripley collected usual stories and items and featured them on a newspaper panel. Over time, the “Believe It Or Not” feature became so popular that it was adapted into various formats, including radio, television, comic books, a chain of museums, and a book series.
Ripley opened his first public display (or “Odditorium”) at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933. It showcased all the bizarre items he gathered during his trips: Photos, props, sketches, and statues. It even included a live show featuring unbelievable performances. These were physical proof of the wild wonders Ripley depicted in his comics and radio series. Many audiences passed out because of the show’s shocking content.
Today, there are 29 Ripley museums around the world with 20,000 photographs, 30,000 artifacts, and many interactive exhibits. Each Odditorium picks up a different theme (the Branson Odditorium is modeled after a building surviving a devastating earthquake in 1812, for example), and features unique items, such as shrunken heads, the world’s tallest man, two-headed calves, man-eating sharks, and so much more!
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood – Location & Admission
When it comes to entertainment value, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood still offers visitors the most thanks to its special location. You can find the Odditorium right at the Hollywood Boulevard and N Highland Ave crossing.
Right across the street is the Hollywood / Highland metro station, making it more convenient if you take the subway. However, the Los Angeles public transport system is rather poor, so families are recommended to go there by car. The area offers many parking opportunities.
As shown on the official Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Los Angeles website, the price for one ticket is $25.99. You can now benefit much more from a VIP Pass, which comes at $45.99 and includes Madame Tussauds. This combo saves $10, but you have to visit Ripley’s Odditorium first to obtain your voucher for M.T.
Do note that, from November 4, 2021, visitors age 12 and up need COVID-19 vaccination proof and valid ID to enter the building. Additionally, wearing face masks during your visit is required.
What Makes ‘Ripley’s Believe It Or Not’ Hollywood Special?
Now, get ready for all the weird and wonderful, because it’s time to visit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood! The scene along Hollywood Boulevard has always been eccentric, but the Odditorium’s building still stands out with the giant tyrannosaurus rex that looms out of the red-tile roof.
The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not California is an 8,000 square foot wonder that contains 15 themed galleries. What are you going to see here, you ask? Well, don’t forget you are at the Hollywood! The Los Angeles museum, of course, takes on the theme of celebrities and pop culture. That makes it much more kid-friendly, compared to the Ripley’s Ghost Tour in South Carolina or the Haunted Castle in Florida.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood 4K
So, are you a fan of Brad Pitt, Frank Sinatra, or Liz Taylor? They are here, but in a way you’ve never seen before! There are celebrity creations carved from phone books, pasted from junk mail, and even created from candy. If you have children, they will be tempted to check out those sweet statues.
Movieholics will recognize many movie references through your self-guided experience. The life-sized Arnold Schwarzenegger “Terminator” monument covered in three-dimensional scenes from Hollywood’s blockbusters is definitely one of my favorites. Also, no matter how old you are, the 12ft robot made just from car parts will blow your mind away!
Of course, you will see some signature Ripley exhibits here, such as the shrunken head or prehistoric skeletons. The authentic vampire killing kit will surely receive gasps of delight from children because, who knows, they might need one like this when the sun goes down! All the exhibits are well documented, allowing you to immerse yourself in the bizarre stories behind them.
Overall, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood combines the strange, the shocking, and the beautiful. The attraction representative says it takes approximately an hour to go through the building, but trust me when I say you will need more!
Other Famous Attractions In Hollywood Boulevard
As mentioned, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood is special for its location. After having fun at the Odditorium, there are plenty of museums, landmarks, and other Hollywood attractions nearby for you to discover. Here are some of our suggestions:
Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Being a Hollywood star is not just about getting your name up in lights. You need to get your name carved into brass as well. To be more precise, it should be put within a coral-pink five-pointed star.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of a few pathways where people are not rushing to get anywhere. Instead, they walk slowly and look down, finding the name of their favorite celebrities.
15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and a few adjoining streets are covered with this sparkling pavement. Doesn’t sound like a long walk, but you can stay the whole day there!
Dolby Theater
The Dolby Theatre is well-known for being the first permanent home of Oscar. Located at the heart of Hollywood, this splendid theater is the most exclusive venue in the world to watch movie premieres and live. During your visit, take a guided tour to discover what happens behind the curtain of the renowned Academy Awards!
Museum Of Dream Space
Museum Of Dream Space L.A
Museum of Dream Space features mainly digital art, with inspiration from Yayoi Kusama’s design. It takes on the mission to provide an immersive, enchanting, and one-of-a-kind art appreciative experiences to the visitors. Because photography is allowed, you can take some unique selfies while surrounding yourself with the art.
Let Your Imagination Run Wild!
So far, there are still many questions surrounding Ripley’s journeys and stories. Perhaps you still have doubts, but I highly recommend visiting Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Hollywood on your next trip to Los Angeles. It’s entertaining and educative, and whether you believe it or not, the array of weird things will leave you awestruck! Visit our Amazing Findings section for more astonishing attractions and guides.
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