Times Square New York. Land of brilliant billboards, oddities and crazy things to see (Elmo standing next to the Naked Cowboy!). However, none are more unique or more fascinating than the famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum. Home to the unbelievable, weird and interesting – Ripley’s Times Square is an absolute must see. Where else can you see the world’s tallest person, walk through a black hole or dangle off the top of the Empire State building? With over 500 astounding exhibits, there are many reasons why this needs to be on your must-do list. We give you our top 7 list of what to experience at Ripley’s. Don’t forget the camera!
1.Relive New Year’s Eve
No need to wait for the countdown – every day is New Year’s Eve at Ripley’s in Times Square! This is the only place in the world where you can come face-to-face, touch and interact with the REAL Times Square Ball from the 2007 centennial countdown. Ripley’s also has on display the the iconic Waterford Crystal podium that was used from the 2002 through 2014 countdowns, and television screens playing popular footage from past celebrations. The perfect picture opp – the exhibit even allows visitors to borrow Happy New Year glasses and top hats to capture the perfect NYE shot!
2.Walk through The Black Hole
The Black Hole abyss is one not to miss at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Times Square! The constantly spinning, focally mesmerizing, and slightly terrifying Black Hole experience is as crazy as it looks. Countless colorful lights spinning at an intense speed completely encircle you as you try with all your might to not fall as you walk through. A fun, balance challenging, mind-altering experience that you will never forget.
3.Dangle off of the Empire State Building
Be the King of the Empire State Building at the fun Big Apple Photo Opp! At this exhibit you can stage hair-raising experiences, such as a photo to include yourself walking across a tight rope over the city or dangling from the Empire State Building. Of course, you could try these for real, but this is a much safer alternative. This New York City themed room was one of our favorites!
4. Race against the Clock
Any person that wants to play Mission Impossible will absolutely love LaserRace, a game where you run, dive and dodge lasers in an attempt to get to the other side. To make it a little bit more difficult, you’re also timed! A fun action-packed exhibit to race against the clock or your friends.
5. Sit Amongst Baseball Greats
It doesn’t matter what team you root for, if you are a baseball fan you can’t help but be impressed with the history on display at Ripley’s. From game-worn uniforms, an impressive bat collection and stadium seats you can take it all in and remember why baseball is America’s greatest pastime.
6. Measure Up
Robert Wadlow, who measured 8’ 11.5”, was at one point the world’s tallest man. See how you measure up next to a mannequin recreating his astonishing height – and the larger than life ruler placed next to him. The exhibit also includes a video showcasing his family and his tall tale adventures.
7. Get Cheesy
The newest exhibit will have you saying cheese! In a collaboration with Cheetos, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! created an entirely immersive cheesy experience where fans can get lost in a mirror-lined infinity room filled with – you guessed it, Cheetos! Also this Summer- Ripley’s is helping launch the second annual search for the rarest, most sought-after Cheetos works of art by hosting the official Cheetos Museum exhibit. Cheetos is asking you to answer the most important question of your life “What do you see in your Cheetos?” Use your imagination to find interesting shapes in your Flamin’ Hot or Cheesy Cheetos snacks, and submit them to the Cheetos Museum for your chance to share in the $150,000 of prizes. Now that kind of money can buy you a lot of Cheetos.
Tips for your visit:
- Bring a camera – the photo opps are endless!
- Plan on the visit taking 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- The black hole can be quite dizzying. Note: there is a walkway outside of the exhibit for those who can’t handle the spins
- The museum offers plenty of room to navigate a stroller, and it also has elevator access
- While the museum is for all ages- some of the exhibits may frighten younger kids. Each child is different, please use your judgment.
- Be sure to take a bathroom break. Interesting facts line the wall – and there is large button within the bathroom with special effects – you must try it for yourself!
- There is a small gift shop with fun odd novelties upon exiting.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Times Square. 234 West 42nd Street. New York, NY 10036.
Open 365 Days. 9am – 1am.
Thank you to Ripley’s Believe it or Not! for hosting our experience.
As always, all opinions and reviews are of our own.
