“ Nothing great in this world has ever been accomplished without passion”
Hebbel
Branson, Missouri: Ripley's Believe It Or Not (courtesy: www.flickr.com)
Our world is a bundle of contradictions and oddities. It is human tendency to get attracted towards strange things. The fact being, strange things are rare and obviously become the the center of attraction. But, what if you get all the strange things at one place! Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum is just that.
With nearly 27 branches in 10 countries, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museums house amazing curios which are 90% authentic and different. It is believed that, only the passionate can create wonders and Robert Ripley is no exception to this. His passion was to move from place to place to find the most unbelievable things and information which would make people flabbergasted. Museum of Branson, Missouri, is another outcome of Ripley’s tireless efforts to bring to people the most amusing and amazing things which otherwise seem to be impossible.
Branson, Missouri: Ripley's Architectural Marvel(courtesy: www.flickr.com)
A glance at this scary structure gives us the feeling, that anytime this already shaken structure may come down. The structure, which seems half ripped off in the earthquake actually depicts the earthquake of 1812, which occurred in New Madrid Missouri. It was an earthquake of great impact and measured almost 8.0 on the Richter scale. The impact is what the building portrays. One just can’t stop admiring the building and efforts of those people, who made this architectural marvel possible, giving the same cracked effect as that of a real earthquake, making it the most photographed building in the world. A step inside brings you to a completely different world were nothing is normal. With around 400 queer exhibits distributed in 7 themed galleries, each exhibit demands your individual attention. The excitement which surges outside, continues as you get inside and take a sneak peak at some of the most captivating exhibits. Demonstrating weird cultures and traditions, while one display shows decorated human skulls, the other displays the heads of enemies as a symbol of bravery and victory.
Branson, Missouri: Vampire Killing Kit at Ripley's (courtesy: www.flickr.com)
Have you ever seen a ghost or come face to face with it? If no, then here be ready to get the experience and try to decipher the mystery of the vanishing woman. The Vampire Killing Kit makes you realize that, you are not the only one scared of such elements. People of eighteenth century in order to save themselves from the blood sucking vampires, used this life saving kit containing a crucifix, a stake, a pistol and garlic based serum.
Scary initially, it is still fun to see the speaking hologram of Robert Ripley. There are several such jaw dropping artifacts but getting into details will definitely hamper the enjoyment of those who want to visit this eccentric place. It is fun when you go without knowing much about it as this museum is abound of surprises for you. Besides the branson-hotels, your visit to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, is the tryst to the unusual things in store in the world.