Event: “The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” exhibit opening
Date & Time: Sat., May 24, 10 a.m.
Press Preview: Thurs., May 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (begins with press conference at 10 a.m.)
Location: Peoria Riverfront Museum · 222 S.W. Washington St. · Peoria · IL
Central Illinoisans will get a unique opportunity to explore the science behind Robert Ripley’s legendary compendium of oddities, anomalies and fantastic feats, when “The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!®” opens to the public May 24 through Sept. 7 at Peoria Riverfront Museum.
The all-new 6,000 sq. ft. international exhibit will be making only its third road stop – and exclusive Midwest debut – in Peoria, as it challenges visitors of all ages to “go places you’ve never imagined and explore the science behind the unbelievable.”
Alton, Illinois native Robert Wadlow, who grew to be one of the world’s tallest people at 8-ft. 11-in. (2.72 m), is one of the main attractions. Visitors are invited to “measure up” against an animatronic likeness of Wadlow and can sit in the original chair made for him.
Six eye-opening sections – from Extreme Biology to Weird World to the Gallery of the Unexpected – provide plenty to investigate. Through hand-on experiments, challenges and quizzes, touchable specimens, real artifacts, hi-tech computer interactives and multimedia experiences, visitors will discover behind-the-scenes world of Ripley’s – including the life and legacy of explorer Robert Ripley, himself.
Visitors can crawl through an interactive life-size model of the prehistoric snake Titanoboa (and listen to its heart beat), go on a scavenger hunt to find the world’s smallest vertebrates, stand inside a Megalodon shark jaw and participate in a number of extreme-science activities.
Other oddities include mind-bending optical and auditory illusions, intricate micro-sculptures that fit in the eye of a needle, a calf with two faces, a Rolls Royce made of matchsticks, extreme examples of body modification, a portrait of Einstein made of toast and – in a nod to the Canadian exhibit creator, Science North – a candy wrapper likeness of pop star Justin Bieber.
The exhibit provides many “extreme” photo opportunities and Museum goers are invited to post their photos online as they explore.
Central Illinois and nearby residents are invited to submit their own oddities for review and possible display in the Ripley’s exhibit. Objects must be less than 20-in. x 20-in. x 16-in. (width, depth, height). Submitters may e-mail a photo and description of the object to oddities@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org. The Museum will provide a submission form and instructions, available on the web site.
Throughout the summer the Museum will feature a line-up of summer classes, camps and programming for all ages that fits with the Ripley’s theme. The Giant Screen Theater is running the new 3D educational film “Mummies Secrets of the Pharaohs,” narrated by Christopher Lee, and both 2D and 3D versions of “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”
In addition to submitting oddities to the Museum for display, visitors are invited to a Ripley’s collector roadshow, called “Bizarre Buying Bizarre,” where they can have their unusual possessions and creations appraised by longtime Ripley’s curator, Edward Meyer. All day Fri. Aug. 8 and Sat. Aug. 9, Meyer will review and possibly purchase the public’s oddities for the Ripley’s Museum collection. Meyer will give a lecture on Ripley’s Sun., Aug. 10 at 2 p.m.
“I have fond memories of my father reading the Ripley’s Believe It or Not comic to me each Sunday morning – Ripley’s was one of my first introductions to exotic, unusual and distant places and people. It’s going to be an amazing experience to relive that feeling of wonder and awe and twice as terrific to see new audiences introduced to the Believe It Or Not world,” Sam Gappmayer, museum president & CEO.
“Science North, the Ontario museum that created The Science of Ripley’s Believe or Not!, has a great exhibition development process. They work closely with museums interested in booking their upcoming shows to make sure that their displays and interactives will be of interest to the visitors. We were one of several museums that participated in a series of feedback sessions with both Science North and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum during the planning of this show,” Kristan McKinsey, museum curator.
“People are fascinated by extreme biology. Visitors of all ages will love the life-size replica of Titanoboa, the huge prehistoric snake. Children and adults who are not afraid of tunnel-like spaces can crawl inside the replica and explore its anatomy. Learn why animals do not grow this large anymore—except in the movies! Did you know there’s a difference between what causes two-headed calves and what causes two-faced calves? You’ll also learn the secrets that allow humans to swallow swords … but don’t try it at home!” Ann Schmitt, VP programs.
Major exhibit sponsors are CEFCU, RLI, Maui Jim, and Ruby K. Worner Charitable Trust. The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! was created by Science North, Sudbury, Ontario.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is the collaborative effort of eight organizations, with nearly 500 years of combined experience educating, entertaining, and supporting our diverse Peoria-area culture. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all – connecting art, history, science, and achievement through collections, exhibitions, and programs.
For further information about the Museum, or the Ripley’s exhibit, visit peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.