I'm a pretty big fan of off-the-wall, random attractions in the middle of nowhere. The Super Museum falls perfectly in that category! Know ahead of time that Metropolis, IL is cute and charming as heck. But besides this, there is pretty much nothing else to do besides Harrah's Casino, so I'd recommend it more as a road trip stop rather than spending a weekend here. You can easily be in and out within 2 hours max. The Super Museum, however, was a LOT more than I expected! This collection of Superman memorabilia is insane, and has so many pieces that are decades old, from many of the films, and some random, quirky stuff. The tickets were only about 8 bucks and you can spend as long as you'd like in there. They've got a pretty awesome gift shop, too! This is a really neat attraction to stop at if you're driving through Southern Illinois! read more

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Consider this your official pilgrimage notice. The Superman Museum in Metropolis, Illinois is a holy shrine you didn't know you needed to add to your road trip itinerary. I am not a hardcore Superman follower. I went in not knowing what to expect and walked out genuinely impressed. This is not a polished museum experience. It is an enormous, sprawling, slightly overwhelming collection of Superman memorabilia that someone dedicated their entire life to assembling. Much respect to the passion and dedication this took. The front of this establishment is a gift shop packed with Superman (and other superhero) giftware. If you want to see the actual collection you pay a little extra and head into an entire different adjacent room. This space if filled with little trinkets all the way up to full collector pieces, costumes, props, and items spanning decades of Superman across every format. They even have pieces from Lois and Clark, the 1990s TV series, which I absolutely watched as a kid. If you are anywhere close to Metropolis, just go. Budget an hour, pay the few dollars, and go see the "museum". You don't have to be a Superman superfan to appreciate the sheer scale of what one collector put together. It's worth the detour. Up, up, and away. read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

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I was really excited to finally visit the Superman Museum in Metropolis, but the experience left me feeling pretty let down. In their defense, it was a Sunday afternoon and most things in town were closed -- which is understandable -- but the museum itself was open. I stepped into the gift shop first and immediately felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Superman merchandise. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Superman fan, but most of it felt like stuff I could easily find online. After wandering around the shop for a bit, I honestly lost interest and never even bought a ticket to see the actual museum exhibits. The town itself does have some nice touches -- there are several cool murals and statues scattered around, which were highlights. Unfortunately, the place felt like a bit of a ghost town that day, which made the whole experience fall flat. I'll probably give it another shot during their annual fair or on a weekday when more is open, but it'll be a while before I make the trip back. If you're a huge Superman fan, it might still be worth checking out, but manage your expectations -- especially if visiting on a Sunday afternoon. ----UPDATE---- After the staff reached out, I decided to bump up my review. Their passion for the museum really came through and I appreciated the response. As a huge Superman fan who grew up watching the original Christopher Reeve movies in theaters and collecting the classic TV shows, I expected something a little different. I'll definitely visit again on a weekday -- I'm sure the experience will be much better when I skip the gift shop and go straight into the museum. The gift shop was well stocked, but I personally wasn't looking to add more items to my collection. I mainly wanted to see old props, costumes, and classic collectible from the shows/movies and old toys. read more

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Great place has the life and history of Superman and his friends like Batman and Wonder Woman really a must if you're in metropolis the service was good. They have a large selection of Superman and more. If you value superheroes this is the place to come.. read more

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Had to stop by during a family road trip. It was the first stop and a surprise and it really kicked off the vibe of the trip. The store is full of everything and had all kinds of old toys from back in the day. They had plenty of anything and everything to tickle your interest and even a mood ring for my Gen Alpha kids who had no idea what they were. lol. read more

It's a store, full of Superman gear. If that's what you want, then go for it. We elected not to pay the admission to the "museum" section of the store. From the entry, it appeared to be mostly old toys. read more

A cool little stop in Metropolis. If you're a Superman fan, this is a fun little stop. Enjoyed the few photo ops and the Superman store, but the big Superman was what was really awesome! read more

A quick, fun little stop on the way to Chicago from Tennessee! We had heard good things about the giant Superman statue and just had to swing by. We got lots of cute and silly pictures and came early morning on a weekday to avoid lots of other people trying to get pictures, too. It worked! The museum/store was closed when we visited but we still got to walk around and explore the area. I definitely recommend swinging by to see for yourself-and snag a photo! read more

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Neat experience! About halfway between Nashville and STL. So great spot for a leg stretch and a cruise through the area! Also would be an easy weekend drive for something to do! read more

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This is definitely all Metropolis, IL has going for it, but that said, it's worth a stop if you're a comic or pop culture fan and in the area! There's the giant Superman statue (follow the helpful signs from the highway because it's a few miles inland), and across the street the "museum" (more of a glorified gift shop, but it was well stocked, and the lady working there was nice, and hey, I got a smashed penny for my collection, some postcards and a magnet! Don't miss the subtler "Metropolis Planet" building down the block (this is the weekly paper of the town; couldn't be called the Daily Planet, I guess!) read more

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Went inside and the wife immediately realize they were playing the soundtrack to Full Metal Alchemist - so she was inclined to stay a little longer. It is Superman everything so if you aren't a fan of Superman or looking for a variety of DC heroes - you won't find it here. They have a little bit of everything in comics, toys, cut outs, and anything you can think of. It also isn't overpriced - like you expect some gift shops to be. Prices are around - if an antique store was to price everything. Reading the other reviews - they state there is $5.00 cover charge to a museum?! Didn't even know there was a 'museum.' I assumed the 'store' was just being called a 'museum' since there were some vintage pieces in there. They could definitely advertise that better. read more

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It's more of a collection than it is a museum but it's cute. The owners maybe could organize a bit more and dusting would be super helpful. But all in all it was great. I would recommend it to anyone who is a comic book nerd. read more

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super cute store and great for comic needs haha. super cool historic area and loved visiting here. will be coming back hopefully soon!

This was a nice break from our road trip. We are Superman (and comic in general) fans so we thought, what the heck! The statue is neat and there's some cool set pieces and costumes in the museum. Overall it's just a hodgepodge of someone's personal collection of Superman memorabilia. It needs a little direction and organization, but it's fun! read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

Was a strange place, like being in the basement at grandmas house. It was dark and with a mild smell. Had some cool stuff after all even bad Superman stuff is good Superman stuff.... read more

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Ummmm best road trip detour ever? I was driving back home to Nashville from St. Louis after spending the weekend there with a friend. Metropolis seemed like a great half way point to stop for a quick coffee and some photos! I stopped first at each of the statues (Superman, Lois Lane, and the block of kryptonite). Then I headed over to the Super Museum & Souvenir Stores to do a bit of shopping. There's a little bit of everything in this fun shop: comics, action figures, collectibles, playing cards, etc. I was so happy it was open on Sundays! Well worth a stop if you're on a similar drive! What a unique, kitschy, americana stop on a road trip! read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

We didn't have time for the $5 museum tour but this was totally worth the 10 minute detour. Be sure to take your picture with the Superman statue out front. You can't miss it. Inside there is plenty of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and for some reason star wars and Marvel merchandise for everyone. read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

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While this shop is chock full of Superman and comic Superhero memorobilia and it is fun to look around, it is a tight fit. When my Mom and I paid a recent visit to the Superman Statue just outside the entrance my Mom decided she needed a magnet so we stopped in to check out what souvenirs they had to offer. Upon entering the store you are imediately greeted with everything Super. From the Man of Steel, to Super Girl, to even Woner Woman if you want it they probably have it or can help you find it. That is if they bother speaking with you. Even after walking up to the counter with our purchase, we were never really greeted, never told about the museum which is also in the shop; which is $5 per person. Just didn't feel like we were welcome in the store. I think $5 is a fair price to go through the museum and I may have if either of the gentlemen working behind the desk had said two words to me. When leaving the shop be sure and take photos in the iconic Telephone Booth and then take a walk down the street about a bloack and a half and see the Statue of the Original Lois Lane, Noel Neill. Up, Up and Away... read more

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If you're a plain pop culture fan, you will enjoy this museum. Same goes if you're a fan of superheroes, obviously. For only $5 you can check out so many relics and memorabilia in the museum. They don't care if you take pictures, as long as you don't take anything! I don't want to give away too much, but there's plenty worth noting about this museum. There's sections devoted to all forms of the Superman character, even a room that pays tribute to Supergirl. Some props from the Superman movies and TV shows are to be found. Everywhere you'll find something from your childhood, no matter what generation: be it Superman lunchboxes, records, magazine covers, watches, posters, cups, toilet paper...okay maybe not the last one! I do believe the museum could have paid more tribute to the deceased people behind Superman, such as Christopher Reeve and George Reeves (even though there is a section about the 1950s TV series). Or the so-called "Superman curse". Plus, I never saw anything about the creation of Superman, like who originally drew him up and how the character developed in the 1930s to now. Be sure to check out the huge gift shop, as they have so much to display. If you collect anything from other places, the chances of them having it are high. And if you haven't, snap a picture of the large Superman statue, which is a short walking distance. (I'm assuming the statue is part of this museum?) read more

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I have been reading comic books since I was a pre teen in the 1970's. I wear the Superman logo often since my last name does begin with the letter S as well. To say I was interested would be an understatement. Loved that this town tries to incorperate a Superman / Superhero feel throughout. Love the idea and the feel. So when you enter the building you are immediately in the souvenir part of the property. Lots of selections, overpriced, but that's what happens in souvenir stores. There should be more comic books available. Only a few dozen that I noticed. Yet it is how the genre began, not tee shirts, not televison shows or movies. The Museum part of the adventure was okay at best. Lots of items from the history of Superman but it felt dusty, and cluttered. In my opinion the museum needed to be a bit more organized, all items from cartoons, tv shows, movies, and toys, need to be with cartoons, tv shows, movies and then toys. Great place, just needs some tender loving care. read more

Truth, justice and the American way! Superman town is what Metropolis is known for. A towering Clark Kent overlooking the town square and Superman souvenirs! read more

I really liked this store. The museum was reasonably priced for a Superman fan or anyone who loves the old super heros. Most of the products in the store were for collectors which made them expensive but fun to see. There was a penny passport for a cheap souvenir. read more

While I expected this to be a little cheesy...it was actually pretty cool and very interesting. They have a lot of Superman memorabilia which really took me back. They by far have the biggest and best offering of historic Superman items. In the end, it was worth the trip and was pretty enjoyable. Very nice place and if you have a super hero lover in the family, you have to check this out. read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - My little guy looking up to the big guy! - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

We were in the area taking in the sites and doing some geocaching. You would certainly be doing a disservice to yourself if you didn't stop here and experience it. read more

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OKAY OKAY OKAY, I know this CHEESY...but HELL..it's SUPERMAN for goodness sake..YOU HAVE TO STOP... Located off I-24, in Metropolis..you can't miss it. There are signs guiding you to it. It is located over in the older section of town near the police station. There is also a museum and souvenir store to check out. Every year they have a big Superman Celebration and people come from all over to enjoy the carnival/ fair atmosphere. You can get out and take a photo of Superman or have one taken with him. There also cut-outs on street where you can place your head above the cutouts and get your photo taken as well..Superman is heavily advertised everywhere. Also a little ways down the street there is a statue of Lois Lane also.. This town loves their Superman History... Other than the shopping part, its all FREE to enjoy and takes a few moments out of your time..and makes a GREAT Memory..Your kids will love it...Hey, I am 50 and I loved it... read more

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Five stars not because it's a great museum or store, but because it's Superman. DC proclaimed Metropolis, Illinois the, "hometown of Superman," so it's fitting there is a "Super Museum" and huge souvenir store to hype the superhero. Because there's so much crossover, alt realities and revised story lines in the Superman universe, you'll see a lot of souvenirs for other action heroes beside Superman. Since he was part of the Justice League, you'll find a lot of merchandise for Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Aquaman, and a lot of other characters that come and go as DC reboots and changes the lineup. Clothing, toys, accessories, glassware, costumes, knickknacks, DVDs and comic books make up the largest items for sale. The museum is entered through the back of the store and is currently $5 per person. It's an astoundingly large collection of historical props, costumes, photos, drawings and merchandising products from different Superman TV and film versions. There's no real order to the layout and how things are mounted and presented, as everything takes up almost every bit of space left on the first floor. What you'll see is a collection built from a real passion with the world of Superman. There's the question, "Would my 8 year-old like the Museum?" The simply answer is probably not, since most of the items are best enjoyed by people who've seen several of the films and TV shows. The store would seem fun--who doesn't like toys? There is also a huge statue (it's owned by the City of Metropolis, Illinois and not the Super Museum) of Superman that children and adults love equally as a fun photo-op. read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

It's only five minutes from the Interstate (Southern Illinois near Paducah KY) - how can you NOT stop and take a picture with the Superman statue and visit the accompanying souvenir store? Yes, the store is chock full of Superman merchandise including magnets, postcards, shot glasses, tshirts and Superman comic books. They even have a collection of Kryptonite stones for your collection, though why any proper Super fan would have one of these anywhere nearby, I don't know! It's all a little on the expensive side but some of these are unique items that you won't find in the local Wal-Mart (probably because these folks have bought out their entire supply). I should mention that I picked up my Superman t-shirt for under $10 at the Wal-Mart in Mount Vernon, since this was a planned visit. I was lucky that there was a similar-minded Super fan there when I stopped by - he took my picture with Superman and I helped him with his. read more

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Fun place to see the store is closed for now. Outside giant statue, cutouts to take photos. read more

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This place is LOADED with stuff you don't need and can't live without, at least, if you're a fan of Superman or comic superheros in general. It's a short drive off I-24 and worth the side trip even if you're a casual fan of Superman. You'll find a museum (that I didn't go through for lack of time) and, of course, a telephone booth - an anachronism that anyone under 30 will find to be a curiosity. How the heck do you use a dial, anyway? T-shirts, mugs, lapel pins, magnets, water cups, posters and more stuff than I can possibly list. You just have to go there. Metropolis is anything but. With a population listed at just over 6,000, it's a typical midwestern town complete with a courthouse in the middle of the town square. Of course, not many towns can boast a two-story tall statue of Superman in the town square. PHOTO OP! There's even a platform for the photographer to stand on so you won't ruin your picture with the black railing that surrounds the Man of Steel. Or at least, the man of fiberglass. Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Superman - hanging off the side of the museum and gift shop. Don't miss the photo op. And while you're at it, have your photo taken with your head plopped on top of a plywood cartoon cutout of Superman - or Supergirl. :) Be sure to stop. Why? Because, like me, you'll be able to say that you've been there. read more

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They have no public restroom and today they didn't have any heat in the museum..which we weren't informed of until after we paid...it was pretty chilly! read more

This was a fun place to visit. It brought back so many memories of Superman from when I was a kid. It has stuff from every decade of Superman. They have a gift shop with a lot of items. It was worth the money, and I would go again. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

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a super Museum indeed! so much to see, very impressive collection of superman memorbilla, probably the biggest in the world Everything and anything superman is here. A must -see for fans. $5 admisson is a deal. well worth the visit to Metropolis. their Gift shop is a bit piracy but no visit is Complete without taking home a few Souvenirs read more

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If you are in the area it is worth the stop. It is not something you would travel long distances to. The museum part had some nice memorabilia from different decades of Superman. The gift shop was so so. It had a small variety of things, but they seemed to be low on stock of a lot of things unfortunately. read more

This is a must stop if you are passing though! My husband is a Superman fan but I am not. Honestly I think I had just as much fun as he did! It was so cool and almost like you are in a town where Superman does exist. I think kids would just love that! We stopped at the museum and took the tour. It's 5$ per adults but was so worth it. You get an opportunity to see so many cool things and learn about the man you collected it all! We had some time to talk with the daughter Morgan and she was amazing. Thank you for sharing some great stories of your family. We wish you all the best with keeping the memories alive !! Can't wait to see what you have coming in the future!! read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

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Is it oddthat I've been here more than once? Granted I've only been to the Museum once and it really just made me sad. A lot of the items stretch from trying to get tourist dollars to head shakingly tragic eg. a dusty, faded photoshop job of Christina Aguilera in a Supergirl outfit. Seriously, what is that? Green painted rocks I understand but what the hell is that picture about? It was enough that I haven't ventured inside since. However, the statue is impressive enough and the cutouts for Superman and Supergirl are worth a stop and that's absolutely free. It's free to browse as well and if you want to get a t-shirt there it's really not that much considering it's a tourist trap. I would expect an Empire State shotglass to be more expensive there than at some random place. The location of the statue too is easy to find, you can't miss the signs and it's right in the middle of 'downtown' Metropolis and a short walk from their horrendous casino. read more

I loved this museum so much last year that I returned again this year with my brother, daughter and partner Derik We're big fans of the man of steel, and are impressed by the vast variety of memorabilia and the gift shop is pretty awesome, and has good prices....please support them if you are able read more

A museum for my childhood hero! Definitely worth a small detour off the interstate. The museum is a loving tribute to Superman with a unique collection of memorabilia. Best for Superman fans. read more

Super Museum & Souvenir Store - Inspector Henderson and friend. - Museums Near Me - Metropolis, Illinois

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Driving home and realized that we were 10 minutes from here so we stopped. One of our to do list items. Glad we did. I am not going to knock anything about the store, and we didn't go through the museum. It was nice to look at things and pick them up with your hand instead of searching and ordering stuff offline. The place feels old and I certainly miss that feeling from stores of this nature when I was a kid. read more

This town is fucked up. Hannibal, Missouri revolves around Mark Twain. Springfield, Illinois is all about Abraham Lincoln. Metropolis, Illinois is the only city I have ever been to that is entirely centered around a fictional character. That being said, located just across the street from the GIANT SUPERMAN STATUE is this little place, the Superman Museum. Admission is $3 and worth every penny. The amount of ridiculous memorabilia crammed into such a small place is almost unhealthy but not quite. read more

God bless 'em, the people of Metropolis have a fine sense of humor, and they are milking this Superman shtick for every tourist dollar they can. If you are in the vicinity of Metropolis, it is well-worth pulling off the expressway for a few minutes to honor Truth, Justice and the American Way. Because you can fit the whole town in your pocket, this is kind of a review of the city as much as the museum. The museum is one guy's obsession and contains more Superman crap than you can imagine. If it was ever manufactured with an S-shield on it, they've got it. Frankly, I'm not that invested in Superman that I get psyched to see the original comic books, but give them your damn three bucks and walk through the museum. Support the local economy. Enjoy the full Metropolis experience - buy a postcard, take your photo with the giant Superman statue (easily located with the "Giant Superman statue straight ahead" signs every few blocks). They have added a Lois Lane statue about two blocks from the giant Superman statue because they want you to walk through their commercial district (mostly second hand shops) - but it's a block and a half, so you may as well. Fun fact: apparently Superman works out at Thor's Gym. Fun fact #2: the Metropolis newspaper is actually called the Planet, but due to the death of print media, it is only printed weekly. read more