2. Back in the early 1900’s a young man named Robert Ripley drew a cartoon of a man running 50m backwards in 13.5 seconds ‘Believe It or Not!’. He was then commissioned to continue the ‘Believe It or Not!’ series and so the infamous catchphrase, along with his career, was born. Ripley’s work appeared in over 400 newspapers globally and inspired both a television and radio series. In order to satisfy the need to find new facts, items and people he ultimately became an explorer and travelled the world the equivalent of 14 times in search of material to astound and amaze with. In 1936 he decided to display some of his unbelievable finds at the Chicago Trade Fair. It was such a success that the Ripley’s museums were born! Today, his exotic treasures can be seen in 30 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attractions worldwide, with the latest and largest being London ! Robert Ripley Explorer, Cartoonist and Collector of the Unusual and Unexpected!
4. AMAZING EXHIBITS!! Over 800 authentic , unbelievable and incredible exhibits spread over 5 floors. Including this Mini Cooper encrusted with over 1,000,000 Swarovski crystals.
5. JIVARO SHRUNKEN HEADS! The crown jewels of Ripley’s collection! This particular piece, adorned with earrings made from beetle wings, is considered the finest shrunken head specimen in the world!
6. NEW FOR 2009! The World’s Smallest Car! The p-50 holds the record for being the smallest road-legal car ever produced and you can now see at Ripley’s! Measuring just 134 cm (52.8 in) long and 99 cm (39.0 in) wide and weighing only 59 kg (130 lb.) it has a single cylinder 49 cc engine!
7. THOMAS WEDDERS' NOSE Thomas Wedders, a circus side-show entertainer in Yorkshire, England in the 1700s, had a nose 19 cm long…the longest human nose in history! REMARKABLE PEOPLE! Come in and meet some of the planet’s most interesting inhabitants!
8. THE CROCODILE MAN Bobby Blackburn of South Africa wears crocodile-tooth dentures! A “crocodile ranger”, Mr. Blackburn reports the teeth are sharp enough to cut through even the thickest piece of his favourite meat... crocodile!
9. FANTASTIC THEMES! Explore 16 themed galleries – including the Gallery of the Greats... STAMP ART SAINT Artist James Butman suffers from agoraphobia, an abnormal fear of open spaces. Since he never leaves his home, friends provide him with the stamps he uses to create beautiful cards and works of art!
10. UNDERWATER WONDERS! Beware the Loch Ness Monster, killer shark and albino alligator! Marvel at the Titanic made from 100,000 matchsticks!
11. LET THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME! A delightful collection of handcrafted artefacts lovingly created to inflict maximum pain... enjoy! Shake ‘n’ Bake! Fire up our terrifying deluxe model electric chair!
12. HAVE FUN – JOIN IN!! Get close to the weird and the wonderful and see how you measure up!!
14. Try not to get lost in our Marvellous Mirror Maze!
15. Why sell Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London? NEW! The newest and biggest attraction to open in London since the London Eye in 2000 ORIGINAL! The most unique museum in London LOCATION! Fantastic location in the heart of the West End at 1 Piccadilly Circus FAMILY FUN! Fun for all the family – from kids to grandparents CONVENIENT! Open all hours – 10am to midnight, 7 days a week, 365 days a year PUBLICITY! Regular special events with great PR value for you COMMISSION! Generous commission for our trade partners GREAT RATES! Individual, group and package rates available KNOWLEDGE! Hosted fam trips or comp tickets for your staff to get to know us MARKETING! We will participate in joint marketing initiatives
16. To become a Ripley’s trade partner or to request marketing materials please contact: Greg Thurston Trade Sales Manager Email: [email_address] Tel: +44 (0) 20 7494 6806
