If you're a seeker of the strange, a connoisseur of the curious, or simply someone who loves the weird and bizarre, then a visit to Amsterdam's Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum is a must! Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Ripley's musem is a one of a kind experience that invites tourists to step into a world where reality and the extraordinary collide. Here, you'll wander through corridors filled with astonishing oddities and mind-bending artifacts, with a chance to get close to rare art pieces collected by the famous explorer, Robert Ripley!
Amsterdam Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum - In a Nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | 10 am or 3 pm |
| 💜 Must Do: | Amatller Chocolate Tasting |
| 🎟️ Ripley's Tickets | €9.35 |
| 🚇 Nearest Train Station | Amsterdam Centraal |
Must-see
Amazonian Shrunken Heads
The World’s Longest Fingernails
Vortex Tunnel
Micro Miniatures (sculptures the size of an eyelash!)
Things to know
Constructed in: 2016
Location: Amsterdam
Focus: Extraordinary Artifacts, Pop-culture memorabilia
Exhibits: The Jungle Room, Ripley’s Warehouse
Opening Hours And Address
Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Address: Address: Dam 21, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Get Directions
Why Visit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
- Explore a world of astonishing oddities and curiosities, showcasing a collection of strange artifacts, unusual artworks, and mind-bending exhibits.
- Meet Guinness World Record breakers like the Lizard Man and uncover stories behind the rare artworks collected by Robert Ripley himself.
- Engage with interactive exhibits like optical illusions that play tricks on your mind or hands-on displays that let you experience the unbelievable, firsthand.
- Appreciate the artistic skill that goes into crafting peculiar pieces like a life-size Marilyn Monroe sculpture made from recycled materials, or a matchstick Eiffel Tower!
- Experience the rich(and bizarre) tapestry of global traditions with artifacts like an authentic vampire-killing kit or the rare Amazonian shrunken heads!
Amsterdam Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum Tickets
Get skip-the-line access to Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Amsterdam's strangest museum and home to shrunken human heads, rare animal skeletons and more!
History Of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
Amsterdam's Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum was established as a tribute to Robert Ripley's insatiable desire to explore the unusual and celebrate the extraordinary. The museum first opened its doors in the heart of Amsterdam, aiming to showcase unique memorabilia collected by Ripley over his many years of travels.
Over the years, the museum has evolved into an array of peculiar artifacts, mind-bending illusions, and record-breaking feats. From its inception in 2016 to the present day, the museum invites visitors into a realm where reality and imagination meld, and where the strange and wondrous find a home. As you walk through the museum's halls, you become a part of its history, sharing in the legacy of exploration and curiosity!
Amsterdam Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum Architecture
Housed within the bustling ambiance of Dam Square, Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum seamlessly blends classic and contemporary architectural elements. Its façade exudes an enchanting blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences, creating an intriguing juxtaposition against the backdrop of the city.
Drawing inspiration from its urban surroundings, the exterior hints at the remarkable displays contained within its walls, inviting one to explore the mysteries that await within. Inside, the layout is tailored to complement its diverse exhibits, where each turn reveals new wonders waiting to be discovered!
Top Highlights Of Amsterdam Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
1Shrunken Heads
A collection of authentic shrunken heads from the Amazon rainforest, offering a glimpse into the ritualistic practices of indigenous tribes and the allure of ancient cultures.
2The World’s Longest Fingernails
Shridhar Chillal of Pune, India, grew record-breaking fingernails for 66 years. When laid flat, they span a length of over 31 feet—the height of a three-story building!
3Micro Miniatures
Sculptures so small they fit in the eye of a needle! The world’s foremost micro-miniature sculptor Willard Wigan is said to enter a meditative state and work between his heartbeats to create these artworks.
4Optical Illusions
Mind-bending illusions that push the boundaries of reality, question perception and uncover the interplay between the mind and the way we see the world.
5Matchstick Eiffel Tower
An intricate, life-sized Eiffel Tower meticulously crafted from matchsticks. Its artistry highlights human ingenuity and the drive to transform everyday materials into unique art.
Best Time To Visit Amsterdam Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
The best time to visit Amsterdam's Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum is during the weekdays, especially in the morning or early afternoon. This allows you to explore the exhibits with fewer crowds. Additionally, visiting during the off-peak seasons(spring and fall) can also offer a more comfortable visit.
Read more about best time to visit Amsterdam here!
Amsterdam Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum Timings
- Daily: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Getting There
- By Tram: Hop on tram lines 2, 11, or 12 and disembark at the Rokin station. From there, it's just a brief 2-minute walk to the museum's entrance
- By Metro: You can take the metro to the Nieuwmarkt station and then transfer to tram lines 4, 14, or 24. Alight at the Dam station, and the museum will be a mere 5-minute walk away
- By Bus: Take bus lines 22, 48, or 52 to the Dam station. After your bus journey, a short 5-minute stroll will lead you directly to the entrance of the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum.
- By Car: If you opt to drive, navigate your way to the museum using GPS directions. Q-Park Kalverstraat is the nearest parking lot.
Insider Tips to Visiting Ripley's
- It is advisable to secure your spot by booking your tickets online to avoid wait times and ensure a seamless entry.
- All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The museum is completely accessible for wheelchair users. However, If you use a mobility scooter it might be impossible to pass through the museum during busy times, so it is recommend that you come during the quieter hours in the morning or evening, and preferably outside school holidays.
- Service dogs and small dogs which can be carried are allowed inside the attraction.
- While the museum is a family-friendly attraction, some areas may seem a bit scary for young visitors. These areas can be bypassed with an alternative route.
- Photography is allowed inside the museum provided you don’t use flash or carry tripods.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum Facts
- The museum's exhibits are carefully curated to showcase a diverse range of oddities and curiosities from around the world, including shrunken heads, peculiar artworks, and unusual historical artifacts.
- The museum has a collection of art marvels such as a portrait of John Lennon created entirely from chewing gum, underscoring its dedication to celebrating creativity in unconventional forms.
- The museum lays claim to the only space tunnel in the Netherlands. This tunnel takes visitors on a journey through swirling lights and cosmic visuals, transporting them to the far reaches of the universe without leaving the city.
- Unlike traditional museums, Ripley's Believe It Or Not! offers interactive experiences that encourage visitor participation- from optical illusions to hands-on exhibits.
- The museum is situated within the historic Dam Square area, surrounded by centuries-old architecture and landmarks.
- The museum features a dedicated section showcasing astonishing world records and feats which pay homage to human achievement in areas that range from physical prowess to eccentric talents.
Restaurants Near Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum In Amsterdam
Just a stone's throw from the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, The Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam offers a rock 'n' roll dining experience. Enjoy a wide range of American classics, burgers, and signature cocktails in a lively atmosphere that pays homage to music legends.
Distance from The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum : 1.6 KM
Located in close proximity to the museum, Burgerlijk Amsterdam is a haven for burger enthusiasts. Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers made with locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by hand-cut fries and a range of toppings.
Distance from The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum : 2 KM
Situated near the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, Pancakes Amsterdam offers a delightful twist on a Dutch classic. Enjoy a variety of sweet and savory pancakes in a charming setting, providing a cozy and traditional dining experience that's perfect for families and foodies alike.
Distance from The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum : 2.2 KM
A short walk from the museum, Restaurant Vlaming presents a fusion of Mediterranean and Dutch cuisine. This restaurant offers a diverse menu of dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed and flavorful dining experience.
Distance from The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum : 1.1 KM
Indulge in creative and Instagram-worthy dishes centered around the beloved avocado. From avocado toasts to innovative avocado-based creations, this restaurant caters to the modern foodie looking for something truly different.
Distance from The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum : 1 KM
Other Attractions Around Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum Amsterdam
Just a stone's throw away, Madame Tussauds offers a chance to rub shoulders with lifelike wax replicas of global celebrities, historical figures, and pop culture icons. The perfect opportunity for you to take selfies with your favourite celebrities!
Distance from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum : 94 m
Just steps away from Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, the Amsterdam Dungeon offers a hair-raising horror theater show. Venture into the depths and witness short performances amid eerie lighting, chilling sounds, and unsettling scents. Much of the show unfolds in near darkness, actors barely visible, amplifying the thrill of the unknown and creating a spine-tingling, vintage-style experience
Distance from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum : 350 m
Just a hop away from Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, Van Gogh Museum pays homage to the artistic genius of Vincent van Gogh. With an expansive collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters, this museum offers an immersive journey through the artist's creative evolution and his profound impact on the art world.
Distance from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum : 2.2 km
Right next door to the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, the Rijksmuseum is a treasure trove of Golden Age masterpieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum's impressive architecture alone is a feast for the eyes!
Distance from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum : 1.7 km
Located at Dam Square, the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) is an architectural marvel that provides insight into Dutch royal history through its opulent interiors and grandeur. The Palace is the largest and most prestigious building from the seventeenth century, making it one of The Netherlands’ most important monuments.
Distance from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum : 110 m
Located within walking distance, the Anne Frank House is the actual hiding place of the famous Anne Frank and her family at the time of the Holocaust. As you step into this building, you're transported back in time, feeling the weight of their experiences and the significance of their story.
Distance from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum : 900 m
Hotels around Ripley's
FAQs
The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum in Amsterdam opens its doors from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
You can find the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum at Dam 21, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum showcases an assortment of bizarre artifacts, unique artworks, oddities, and interactive displays that defy conventional understanding and invite visitors to explore the extraordinary.
Yes, the museum is suitable for visitors of all ages. However, there may be some sections that are a little scary for young visitors. These can be easily navigated through alternate pathways.
Absolutely! Photography is permitted throughout the museum, as long as flash photography and tripods are not used.
Yes, the museum features a gift shop where visitors can purchase unique souvenirs and quirky items inspired by the exhibits.
