Ripley's Believe It Or Not Oddotorium - Gatlinburg, TN
N 35° 42.685 W 083° 31.102
17S E 272177 N 3954864
The original Gatlinburg, Tennessee museum, built in 1970 by Jason Santuccio, was destroyed by a massive fire caused by a faulty light fixture in a neighboring shop on July 14, 1992. The museum had to be completely rebuilt.
Waymark Code: WM2EMA
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 10/20/2007
Views: 155
According to Wikipedia:
Gatlinburg - The original Gatlinburg, Tennessee museum, built in 1970 by Jason Santuccio, was destroyed by a massive fire caused by a faulty light fixture in a neighboring shop on July 14, 1992. The museum had to be completely rebuilt. Some of Ripley's most prized and unique possessions were consumed by the blaze. The current museum opened in 1995, with a tribute to the city's firefighters included among the collections. Artifacts salvaged from the blaze sport "I Survived The Fire" decals. The new building also has nearly twice the amount of exhibit space as the original. As with some other Ripley museums, this building has a theme. The museum looks as if it has survived a major earthquake. The interior and exterior of the building feature cracks throughout, adhering to the theme. The original museum featured the same theme. The Ripley's Company has since opened several other attractions in the area, including a "four-dimensional" theater, a state-of-the-art aquarium, a haunted mansion, several arcades and two miniature golf attractions, all of which carry the Ripley's brand name and signature logo.
Type of Structure: Public building
Other: Museum
Construction Date: 01/01/1970
Fire Date: 07/14/1992
Structure status: Gutted building
Cause of Fire:
Faulty light fixture in a neighboring shop.
Documentation of the fire: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Give a narrative of your experience. Did you learn anything after reading about the fire in the waymark? Photos are always welcome too. Please no virtual visits.