Discover weird and wonderful artifacts from around the world at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Come and see the museum inspired by the adventures of Robert Ripley, who traveled the world in search of unusual stories, unique people and bizarre souvenirs. With 500 artifacts spread over three floors, the museum is an ideal attraction for all ages.
The fun starts before you even enter the museum. Touch, push and move a 5-ton (4,500-kilogram) granite ball that floats on a thin layer of water. Check out the cracks in the museum’s walls, which depict the survival of an earthquake. Enter the museum and meet a hologram of Robert Ripley himself, who explains what you’ll find on your journey through the exhibits and what prompted him to start his collections from around the globe.
Expect to be shocked and amazed as you experience a spinning tunnel or stand inside a giant tractor tire. Look for a cow with two heads and an eight-legged buffalo. Spot an ancient Tibetan skull and a shrunken head from Ecuador. Discover medieval methods of torture, a death mask of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger and a lock of hair belonging to George Washington.
Be observant for interesting works of art as well. Among these is a portrait of Jimi Hendrix made from Rubik’s Cubes and a picture of actress Sandra Bullock made entirely of candy.
Located in downtown, the museum is a short walk from Gatlinburg’s other major attractions. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift and Hollywood Star Cars Museum are both less than a two-minute walk away. You’ll find pay-and-display parking areas nearby and the Gatlinburg Trolley stops close to the museum’s entrance.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is open daily. Allow about 2 hours to visit all of the exhibits. Discounted admission is available when purchasing tickets online. You can also purchase combination tickets that grant entry to Gatlinburg’s other Ripley attractions. Find further information on the museum’s official website.
