Opens Saturday January 31st at 10am!

The San Diego Air & Space Museum invites you to experience the extraordinary with the debut of an all-new Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® Exhibit. Packed with mind-boggling oddities, rare artifacts, and unbelievable stories, this special exhibition promises to amaze, entertain, and spark curiosity for guests of all ages.

Highlights include a full-scale Mars Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter constructed entirely from matchsticks, original items from the Wizard of Oz, and a towering animatronic Robert Wadlow standing over 8 feet 11 inches tall—the tallest person in recorded history. Visitors will also discover fascinating Ripley’s artifacts from the historic California Exposition once held in this very building, along with dozens of other remarkable curiosities around every corner.

This one-of-a-kind collection blurs the lines between history, innovation, and imagination—offering an unforgettable experience available only at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Featured Exhibit Highlights

Full-Scale Mars Perseverance Rover & Ingenuity Helicopter (Matchstick Sculpture)

This incredible display recreates NASA’s Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter using thousands of carefully placed matchsticks. Every detail—from the rover’s wheels to the helicopter’s delicate blades—demonstrates extraordinary craftsmanship and patience. It’s a stunning fusion of space exploration and art that showcases creativity at its finest.

Animatronic Robert Wadlow

Meet a lifelike animatronic recreation of Robert Wadlow, the tallest person in recorded history. Standing an astonishing 8 feet 11 inches tall, this moving figure brings his remarkable story to life. Guests will learn how a rare medical condition contributed to his extraordinary height and global fame.

Signed Tin Man Hat

This original Tin Man hat is signed by a cast member from The Wizard of Oz, making it a rare piece of Hollywood history. The signature adds a personal connection to one of the most beloved films of all time. Fans will love seeing this iconic costume piece up close and imagining it on screen in the Emerald City.

Brick from the Yellow Brick Road

Step into movie magic with an authentic brick from the famous Yellow Brick Road set. This piece comes from the path Dorothy followed on her journey to Oz, making it a true cinematic treasure. It’s a tangible connection to a film that has inspired generations of viewers around the world.

Canine Cosmonaut Space Suit

This rare space suit honors the Soviet space dogs who helped pave the way for human spaceflight. Designed to protect its four-legged astronaut, the suit features specialized fittings for mobility and life-support systems. It serves as a powerful tribute to the animal pioneers of space exploration.

The Starry Night (Made of Dryer Lint)

This astonishing artwork recreates Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night using nothing but colorful dryer lint. Each swirl and star is carefully crafted from collected fibers, transforming a household byproduct into fine art. It’s a surprising masterpiece that proves creativity can come from the most unexpected places.

The Man Behind “Believe It or Not!”

Robert Leroy Ripley, the cartoonist, the explorer, the reporter, adventurer, illustrator, collector and seeker of the odd and unusual, is a man who lived a life that can only be summed up by the statement he himself created; “Believe It or Not!”

Ripley’s Legacy

Ripley’s legacy and what he brought to the world is alive in all of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museums and his traditions continue with the Believe It or Not! cartoon series. Today the daily cartoon is seen in nearly 200 newspapers worldwide, in 42 countries, and 17 languages. Every year millions of people visit the Ripley’s museums to take part in the adventure, one in which they experience first-hand the incredible world of Robert Ripley! Believe It or Not!