Premier of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® Special Exhibition this Saturday January 31 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum

Packed with mind-boggling oddities, rare artifacts, and unbelievable stories, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® special exhibition promises to amaze, entertain, and spark curiosity for guests of all ages -- and serves as the official kick off of the San Diego Museum Council’s Museum Month.

Packed with mind-boggling oddities, rare artifacts, and unbelievable stories, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® special exhibition promises to amaze, entertain, and spark curiosity for guests of all ages!

San Diego, CA – Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® makes its premier this Saturday January 31, 2026 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, President & CEO Jim Kidrick announced today. The premier of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® officially kicks off the San Diego Museum Council’s Museum Month for February 2026.

“Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® has always been the world-wide leader in revolutionary, groundbreaking and amazing oddities, rare artifacts and unbelievable stories,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “The Ripley’s Believe It or Not!®  special exhibition promises to amaze, entertain, and spark curiosity for guests of all ages. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is honored to host Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® and be the official kick off location for the San Diego Museum Council’s Museum Month.”

Highlights of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® special exhibition at the San Diego Air & Space Museum 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 also discover fascinating Ripley’s artifacts from the historic California Exposition once held in the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s very own original Ford 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 highlights of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® include:

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 premiere of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® kicks off the San Diego Museum Council’s Museum Month presented by the San Diego Foundation. Museum Month passes can be picked up at any San Diego Public Library. Present your pass for half price admission for up to four people at 70+ museums around San Diego County from February 1-28. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® special exhibition is included with the price of general admission to the Museum except on Resident’s Free Tuesdays.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is California’s official air and space museum and education center. The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was the first aero-themed Museum to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum was voted the top Aviation Museum in California and one of the “10 Best Aviation Museum’s Around the U.S.” The Museum also is home to the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame. The Museum is located at 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Museum and gift store are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with admissions until 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.