As a child, I loved to watch the reruns of the old 1950s Superman TV show. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen were always getting into sticky situations and Clark Kent aka Superman somehow managed to arrive just in the nick of time to save them. Superman stood tall and proud and was a true hero in the eyes of the American public.
Today, one can visit The Superman Museum in Metropolis, IL for a nostalgic look back at Superman history through the years. Crossing from Paducah, KY into Metropolis, a huge Superman billboard greets travelers as well as murals and a giant statue of Superman that stands in front of the courthouse. Photo ops abound and fans can have their picture taken by the over-sized statue, behind wooden cutouts of Superman and Supergirl or peering out of an old fashioned telephone booth.
The Superman Museum opened in 1993 by renowned collector Jim Hambrick. Originally from Orange Co, CA, Hambrick brought Superman memorabilia to towns across the United States with his traveling museum for almost 10 years. He eventually set up a permanent museum in Metropolis, the town with the perfect name. Filled with over 20,000 items, this 15,000 sq. ft. museum contains everything from original costumes and props to licensed toys, games, clothing, dolls, promotional items and more. Hambrick often rotates displays with items from his personal collection of over 100,000 pieces. The Museum is divided into sections paying tribute to the Superman movies, TV shows and comic strips. Other areas focus on the famous characters of Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White. A gift shop at the entrance to the museum offers a large selection of Superman related memorabilia and merchandise.
Special events include the Metropolis Superman Celebration held the second full weekend in June. Many celebrities with Superman ties attend, including Noel Neill who played Lois Lane. The event is renowned and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. It will celebrate its 32 year in June 2010. Over 30,000 fans visit Superman's hometown during this celebration.
www.supermancelebration.net
Hours: 9 – 6 daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Address: 517 Market St., Metropolis, IL 62960
Phone: (618) 524-5518
Admission: $5 which includes admission to the Americana Hollywood Museum, children 5 and under are
free, military personnel are free and senior discounts are offered
Website: www.supermuseum.com Online store: www.SupermanSuperstore.com
Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets! A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home. She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic ! When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each!
Wow! I’m surprised to see a post about this. My grandma lives in Metropolis. I spent many summers walking around that little town. How lovely to see it noticed in such a way! Thanks for stirring up great memories!