Exploring Amsterdam’s Strangest Museum: Believe It or Not!

Amsterdam is full of amazing activities and sights to visit. From the iconic Anne Frank House and the House of Bols to the brilliant Van Gogh Museum and the famous Vondelpark. Whether you’re a tourist, an expat, or a native, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and historic city.

But there’s one attraction you may have never heard of, and it’s a must-see if you’re looking for an experience that’s both quirky and fun: the Robert Ripley Attraction Believe it or Not!

In this article, we’ll explore what makes Believe it or Not! unique and how best to take in this quirky museum during your next visit to Amsterdam.

What is Robert Ripley Attraction Believe it or Not!?

The Robert Ripley Attraction Believe it or Not! is a one-of-a-kind museum located in Amsterdam that celebrates the life and works of Robert Ripley.

Robert Ripley was an American cartoonist, explorer and businessman who travelled around the globe to collect oddities, curiosities and artefacts, many of which were showcased as part of his popular comic strip, Believe It or Not!, first published in 1918. After his death in 1949, Ripley’s collection of oddities toured around the world in what was called the “Odditoriums”.

In the early 2000s, the Amsterdam Odditorium was established in a former bus depot near the Stopera building. It featured an array of amazing exhibits, artefacts and interactive displays, celebrating Ripley’s lifetime of curious collections.

What will You See at Believe it or Not!?

When you enter the Robert Ripley Attraction Believe it or Not!, you’ll be taken on a journey through some of the strangest items from around the world. Step inside the main hall to discover amazing displays of everything from shrunken heads to a replica of China’s Terra Cotta Warriors. Immerse yourself in Ripley’s collection of strange artefacts from his voyages around the world and get up close with some authentic Egyptian Mummies in the Ancient Egypt exhibition room.

But there’s much more than ancient history inside this museum; you can find items from the Victorian era that have been carefully preserved, along with interesting items from different countries such as Afghanistan and Iran. There is something fascinating to explore around every corner; you’ll discover old coins, artworks, manuscripts, armoury and historical objects along with wax figures and interactive displays. The museum also features theme galleries dedicated to human oddities, natural phenomena and celebrity collections.

As well as their museum visit guests can choose to take part in other experiences that take more of an interactive approach to learning about Ripley’s belief in ‘real life strangeness’. For example, you can ride in their Alien Abduction Ride where you will face alien beings, or have your fortunes told using Ripley’s mystic tools.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit?

Admission to the Robert Ripley Attraction Believe it or Not! is €21.50 for adults, €17.50 for youngsters aged 6 to 14 years old and free access for children aged 5 years and below. However, there are other opportunities to get discounts on tickets; for example, locals can get a 15% discount if they book their tickets online in advance.

How Best To Take In Believe it or Not! In Amsterdam

When you visit the Robert Ripley Attraction Believe it or Not!, you should allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy your experience; there is so much to see and do that you’ll want to take your time exploring the different exhibits and attractions. You can also add other activities to your visit, such as dinner at one of their restaurants or having your fortune read by their mystic tools.

You should also bear in mind that there is a limited capacity inside the museum due to social distancing measures imposed by COVID19. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, pre-booking is strongly advised, as tickets are limited during certain days and times to ensure social distancing measures are followed.

Conclusion: Exploring Amsterdam’s Strangest Museum

By visiting Believe It or Not! in Amsterdam, you can explore some of the strangest items from around the world collected by Robert Ripley himself. Take your time discovering unique artefacts and interactive exhibits while also enjoying other experiences such as dinner at one of their restaurants or trying out their Alien Abduction Ride. However, remember to book your ticket in advance to ensure safe enjoyment for everyone as due to Covid19 there are limited tickets available at certain days and times. So if you are looking for an experience that is quirky yet so memorable then Believe It or Not! Museum is your best bet when visiting Amsterdam.

If you’re looking for an activity in Amsterdam that mixes fun with learning and education, why not book an experience with GetYourGuide? Discover unforgettable experiences on GetYourGuide today for an Incredible Amsterdam experience you won’t ever forget!