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Believe It Or Not--Ripley's Set To Open At Inner Harbor

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A major new Inner Harbor attraction is almost ready to open.

Mike Schuh takes us through the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Finishing touches are underway for the 32nd city served by Ripley's Believe It or Not. 

"This is fabulous. It's beyond my imagination in excitement and believe-it-or-nots," said Karen Esposito, who got to take a free preview tour.

Esposito remembers reading Ripley's comics as a kid. Now, the weirdness is real. It's real eye candy and it's right here.

"It's definitely out there, but I think it gets your imagination running," she said.

From Hogwarts made from a half a million matchsticks and a mummy made of mufflers, to a Michaelangelo--well, a Lint-e-angelo.

"What's cool about that it's all made out of laundry lint right out of the dryer," said Esposito.

This place is filled with weirdness--by design. Just ask Ripley's Tim O'Brien.

Schuh: "I hope you'll take this in the best possible way, but this stuff is all pretty weird."
O'Brien: "Oh, that's good for us. Thank you for saying that. Ripley's Believe It or Not is the world leader in weird, strange, unusual and unbelievable."

Believe it, they hit their goal. The lobby's centerpiece is a mini with a million swarovski crystals glued to its flanks. To weird it up, mini Gene Simmons is the driver.

If weirdness makes you happy--ecstasy awaits.

"Wow, there's so much to choose from. I like it all," said Esposito.

So just when will the frenzy begin? They're putting on the final touches, and hope to be open by this Saturday.

There are three attractions at Ripley's Believe It or Not. Admission ranges from $12 for a child up to $28 for an adult who goes to all three.

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