The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Super Museum (Classic)
6 snips
Jun 13, 2025 Discover the charming town of Metropolis, Illinois, celebrated as Superman's official hometown. Dive into the annual Superman festivities that blend county fair vibes with fandom flair, featuring celebrity appearances and costume parades. Meet a passionate superfan whose childhood love for the superhero transformed into the world's largest Superman museum. Hear personal stories from visitors and explore the nostalgic magic of Superman exhibits, making this museum a beloved haven for fans young and old.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Bob Westerfield's Metropolis Marketing
- Bob Westerfield leveraged the town's name, Metropolis, to promote it as the official hometown of Superman.
- His proposal led to buying the rights from DC Comics for $50,000, sparking global attention.
Annual Superman Celebration
- Metropolis holds a yearly Superman celebration with carnivals, parades, and celebrity guests.
- The event blends a convention atmosphere with a small-town county fair vibe.
Super Museum's Unique Collection
- The Super Museum houses over 70,000 Superman items including costumes from famous actors.
- Several actors who played Superman visit and spend hours appreciating the artifacts.