San Francisco, California — A longtime attraction at Fisherman’s Wharf is preparing to close its doors after nearly 60 years, as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! announced that its San Francisco museum will shut down before the end of the year.
The attraction, located on Jefferson Street and known for its collection of unusual objects, oddities and pop-art displays, has been part of San Francisco’s tourism scene since 1967. The company has not yet announced a specific closing date.
Ripley’s Announces San Francisco Closure
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! President Jim Pattison Jr. announced the decision Tuesday, describing the closure as a difficult one after decades of operation.
“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our current San Francisco attraction,” company president Jim Pattison Jr. said Tuesday. “To every team member, past and present, who has been part of this remarkable run, thank you. To our neighbors and friends at Fisherman’s Wharf, thank you for nearly 60 unforgettable years. And to the millions of people who have walked through our doors, we have been honored to have you as our guests.”
The company did not provide a reason for the closure.
For generations of visitors, the museum offered a distinctive stop along one of San Francisco’s most heavily visited waterfront areas, combining unusual artifacts, strange historical objects and visual displays associated with the Ripley’s brand.
Attraction Opened in 1967
The San Francisco location first opened in 1967, making it one of the longtime attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf. The museum’s history also has a connection to Ripley’s founder, Robert Ripley, and his relationship with San Francisco.
Pattison highlighted Ripley’s early connection to the city, noting that the founder worked at the San Francisco Bulletin newspaper more than a century ago.
Ripley also brought his exhibitions to the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939 and 1940, which was held on Treasure Island.
That history has made San Francisco an important part of the broader Ripley’s story, even as the current Fisherman’s Wharf attraction prepares to close.
Company Hints at Future San Francisco Plans
Although the Jefferson Street museum is closing, Pattison suggested that the company’s relationship with San Francisco may not necessarily be finished.
The company president said they were “not necessarily saying goodbye to San Francisco,” but did not provide additional details about what that could mean.
For now, the immediate focus is on the closure of the existing attraction and supporting the people who work there.
The company said it plans to offer support to employees during the transition as the San Francisco location winds down its operations.
No final date has been announced for when visitors will have their last opportunity to walk through the museum.
Some Famous Exhibits Could Be Sold
Before the attraction closes, Ripley’s plans to offer a selection of exhibits connected to San Francisco for sale. Among the items being considered are pieces with unusual connections to the city and its history.
One example is a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge created on the head of a pin, an especially small tribute to one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks.
Another item under consideration is a pair of crutches associated with baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio, who grew up in San Francisco.
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The company has not indicated exactly which exhibits will ultimately be offered for sale or when that process will begin.
Ripley’s Continues Around the World
The San Francisco closure will not mark the end of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attractions. The company operates more than two dozen locations around the world, including attractions in Hollywood, Niagara Falls, Branson, Missouri, Mexico City and Copenhagen.
Still, the departure from Fisherman’s Wharf marks the end of a significant chapter for an attraction that has welcomed millions of visitors since opening nearly six decades ago.
For San Francisco residents and tourists who have visited the museum over the years, the announcement represents another change to the landscape of one of the city’s best-known tourist destinations.
Did you ever visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at Fisherman’s Wharf? Share your favorite memory of the attraction in the comments below.
