Ripley’s Believe it or Not! is an international chain of museums born in the United States in 1918 from an idea of Robert Ripley, with the aim of showing ordinary people the most extreme oddities about places, people or things. So hard to believe, but undoubtedly true! Initially it was a series of cartoons published in newspapers, but due to its growing success, the first Ripley museum was created and opened in Chicago in 1933. More than 80 years later, the chain also opened in the Dutch capital.
Today, the Ripley Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most fun activities to do for young people, singles, couples and families. Perfect for all ages, this museum of oddities will captivate you and make for a carefree day out. The basis of the Ripley’s collection comes from the personal discoveries and souvenirs of Robert Ripley, an early 20th century traveller; it has since grown exponentially to over 35,000 pieces, which can be seen in various Ripley’s museums around the world.
A museum in the centre of Amsterdam showcasing collections of artistic, natural and scientific oddities: this in a nutshell is Ripley’s Believe It or Not. What awaits you inside? You will walk through 19 themed galleries, where you can admire arts, animals, pop culture and much more, while playing interactive games about people and places that are incredibly hard to believe, but real!
The museum covers an area of over 2,000 square metres and more than 500 objects, works and exhibits are on display to amaze visitors regardless of their age.
Among the most interesting oddities on display are the nails of Shridhar Chillal, an Indian from the city of Pune who holds the world record for the length of his nails, over 9 metres, having never cut them for 66 years. Also very intriguing is the Jungle Room, a room resembling a jungle, where you will encounter a bear skeleton, the long-necked Padaung woman, tribal artefacts and much more.
On the top floor of the building is Ripley’s Lounge, a bar with a beautiful view of Dam Square. It is ideal for relaxing after your visit, but remember that bar access is open to everyone, even those who have not purchased a Ripley’s museum entrance ticket.
Inside the Ripley’s Lounge there is also a virtual reality area, where you can take part in exciting experiences including flying, a rollercoaster ride and much more. Again, access is open to everyone, even those who have not visited the museum.
You can buy Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum tickets at the ticket counters, paying with cash or cards, or directly online, to avoid queuing at the entrance or ticket office.
There are reductions for children and young people aged 5 to 15 years, while children aged 0 to 4 years get in free with a paying adult. It is also possible to buy a fast-track ticket, which gives access to the museum without queuing at the entrance.
There are also discounts for groups of at least 15 people.
The museum is open every day of the week from 10 am to 10 pm. For further information, please call (020) 369 71 20.
The Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum in Amsterdam is located in the city centre, on Dam Square, directly opposite the monument. It can be easily reached on foot from Central Station by walking about 10 minutes, or alternatively by using trams 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, and 17, which stop at Dam Raadhuisstraat/Paleisstraat, and trams 4, 9, and 24, which stop at Bijenkorf/Dam.
We strongly advise against driving there due to traffic restrictions and parking difficulties in the centre.
Ripley's Believe It or Not is located in the central Dam Square.
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