Imagine the year 1839. You are a merchant by the name of William A. McBane and you are standing on the bank of the Ohio River in southern Illinois. You think to yourself that this area is a prime location for a new city. The river empties into the mighty Mississippi River and surely the railroad will have to cross here someday. So, with a flatboat of merchandise that you own you purchase 1000 acres from J.H. Wilcox. You and he start to plan the future city of Metropolis. A name meaning mother city.
The year now is 1939. You are Jerry Siegel, a writer for National Comics Publications, Inc. Your best friend Joe Shuster had just finished the 16th issue of Action Comics. People really seem to be taken in by the book’s main character Clark Kent also known as Superman. Now with this issue, Clark has a name for the place where he lives, Metropolis.
One last trip down memory lane. The year is 1993 and the seven-foot-tall, fiberglass statue of Superman is getting a replacement. Standing 15 tall and cast in bronze the new statue is ready to welcome all visitors to Metropolis. Within a short walking distance, the new Superman Museum is open also.
Finally, it is the present day. The museum is going strong with over 7000 pieces of memorabilia. It is not hard to miss its colorful entrance waiting on the corner for you to enter. Unlike most museums this one has its gift shop at the entrance, not when you leave. Just in case you forgot, pick up the special souvenir. With an entry fee of less than $10, you get your ticket and head inside.
It is there that you are reminded of an event that can never be forgotten. It was on November 18, 1992, when Superman gave his life to save the city and the people he loved. The recreation of the monster Doomsday is a painful reminder that even our heroes can be taken from us, but ideas like Superman can never truly die.
Weaving around the aisles, you see the impact Superman had throughout the years. Every generation has had a version of the hero. As well as an actor who portrayed him in some form of media. For many, it would have been seeing George Reeves in the television show from the 50s. Or Christopher Reeve for the 1978 movie. What could be more iconic than George’s trench coat and Fedora hat every time Clark Kent was on screen?
But costumes are just a small part of what is included in the museum. You see much more. If it can be printed and then sold, there would be something related to Superman. Anything from statues, and posters, to full-size comic book drawings. More stuff is always being added.
Not every battle has to be fought alone. Kal El (Superman’s original name) has others that he can call for help. Kara Zor El is Superman’s cousin sent from the doomed planet of Krypton to watch over the baby Kal. The Superman Museum pays tribute to the Girl of Steel with her own corner of memorabilia. Just ask any of the staff or other visitors why Supergirl looks younger than Superman. In case you are wondering.
Whether it is the letter S, a Kryptonian symbol of hope, or just two yellow fish on a red background, Supeman’s logo is recognized worldwide. It is a reminder that everyone can uphold the ideals of truth and justice. Even if you are a super strong cartoon sailor or just a real-life gentle giant.
While it may not have become the mother city that was envisioned by its creators or not even the only city by that name. (Lousiana has one also), Metropolis will always be as large as the fans need it to be. Don’t forget to get a picture standing next to the statue.
More information can be found at the following website. https://supermuseum.com/
517 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960
The Superman Museum can be found at the following address or you can search the map below. More information can be found at the following website.
517 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Other places near here you can visit.
Fort Massac State Park
I loved watching reruns of the TV series with George Reeves when i was a kid–I definitely want to visit this museum now!