Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Hollywood Offers Free Viewing of World Famous Fertility Statues May 2, 2009

Event: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Hollywood hosts exhibit of Ripley’s famous fertility statues

Date: The exhibit opens Saturday, May 2nd and runs through May 31st.

Background: The Ripley fertility statues have been seen by millions of people since their special powers were discovered in 1994, with more than 2000 women reporting that they became pregnant shortly after touching the wooden sculptures. Now, for the first time in eight years, the two statues will be easily accessible to the public. They will be located in the lobby, making it easy for would-be parents to come in and touch them for FREE during regular business hours.

The five-foot tall wooden statues were acquired from the Baule people of the Ivory Coast of West Africa in 1993, and were placed in the lobby of Ripley Entertainment’s corporate headquarters in Orlando. Within months, 13 women who came in contact with them became pregnant, including staffers and office visitors.

Following a story on the phenomenon in the Wall Street Journal in December 1995, the media frenzy and the demand to touch the statues became international news. In the ensuing years, the edifices made three trips around the world.

In response to requests from people who can’t make it to see the statues in person, Ripley’s is accepting faxed handprints that will be rubbed on the statues. Many women report that this has resulted in successful pregnancies for them. People can fax handprints to the Ripley Hollywood Museum at (323) 466-6512.

Location: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum

Address: 6780 Hollywood Blvd.
Hours: Open 10 a.m. – midnight daily
Phone: (323) 466-6335

Cost: The exhibit is in the lobby and is free to view during regular operating hours.