I grew up watching Ripley’s Believe it or Not. I’m not talking about the Dean Cain version either, but the Jack Palance version from the 80’s. Every Sunday, I used to marble at the wondrous and sometimes unbelievable tales that would come into my living room. Mr. Palance was so debonair and elegant, and his smooth voice would always state the same after every episode: Believe it, or Not.

I was very happy when Science World at TELUS World of Science brought the exhibit here to Vancouver. I’ve visited several of the museums around the world (Mexico City, New York, and of course, Niagara Falls). I’ve always been intrigued by the mysterious and sometimes macabre, and Mr. Ripley never disappoints.

The collection at Science World is small, but if focuses on the science behind the wonder. Some of the highlights include extreme animals (imagine a two-headed calf or a multi-limbed chicken), or if it’s human oddities you’re looking for you can see how you measure up to the world’s tallest person.

There’s plenty of interesting artifacts to see, including a portrait of Nelson Mandela made solely out of pennies, or one of Albert Einstein, made out of toast. Yes, toast.

Oh, and don’t worry, if you’re looking for the macabre, there’s an exhibit or two that will satisfy your curiosity.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Science World, and I really enjoyed sharing the experience with my son. It’s so much fun to see life thru my 4-year old’s eyes. When we stood in front of the world’s tallest man, he breathlessly exclaimed: “is he real?”.  I love that most of the exhibits are interactive and kid-friendly. It encourages learning that it’s suitable for all ages.

Tap into your inner explorer at The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!  January 25 – April 22. Tickets are available here.