Discover the Story Behind Ripley's Acquisition of Lost Apollo 11 Moonwalk Tapes, Echoing the Curiosities Found at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam
Ripley's Believe It or Not! has added a significant piece of space history to its collection: original reels containing footage of the Apollo 11 moonwalk. This acquisition highlights the institution's ongoing commitment to preserving extraordinary artifacts and showcasing them to the public, reflecting the unique blend of history and wonder that visitors can experience at locations worldwide, including Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam.
The story of these particular tapes is as compelling as the moon landing itself. Decades after the monumental Apollo 11 mission in 1969, NASA undertook a search for the original recordings of humanity's first steps on the lunar surface. It was widely believed that these invaluable tapes were lost forever, possibly erased and reused due to storage limitations at the Goddard Space Flight Center, leading to significant public concern over the missing historical footage. The original recordings captured iconic moments, including Neil Armstrong's famous declaration after landing.
A Fortuitous Discovery
The preservation of these recordings, against all odds, can be attributed to a former NASA intern, Gary George. In 1976, George purchased three truckloads of government surplus movie reels at an auction for a mere $217.77. Among the 1,150 tapes he acquired, he stumbled upon several labeled "Space Secret." Decades later, upon hearing news of NASA's unsuccessful search for the Apollo 11 footage, George realized the potential significance of his unique find.
Working with a studio equipped to play vintage reels, George confirmed that his tapes contained the original, unrestored, and unremastered footage of the moon landing. These first-generation recordings, distinguishable by their sharp image quality, include detailed views of Armstrong's lunar declaration, a solar wind experiment, Buzz Aldrin's lunar gravity demonstration, and even a long-distance phone call with President Richard Nixon.
The Tapes Find a Home with Ripley's
In 2019, Ripley's Believe It or Not! acquired these invaluable tapes at auction for $1.82 million, ensuring their preservation and public access. This acquisition underscores Ripley's dedication to collecting and sharing extraordinary items from history, science, and the unexplained.
While Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam offers its own collection of bewildering exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors interested in these specific Apollo 11 moonwalk tapes can find them displayed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando. There, these historic reels are part of the Out of This World gallery, alongside other unique space artifacts like a meteorite, a piece of Mars, and even Luke Skywalker’s original Star Wars lightsaber. This global network of attractions, including the location in Amsterdam, continually seeks out the fascinating and unbelievable to share with a curious audience.
To delve into more unique collections and explore the extraordinary world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Amsterdam, consider a visit. You can also browse other museums in Amsterdam or discover what's currently on display through Musemap (musemap.art).
