"By decree of the Illinois House of Representatives and DC Comics, owner of the copyright to Superman, Metropolis, Ill., was officially declared the “Home of Superman” in June of 1972. Plans for a nearby $50 million theme park to be known as “Amazing World of Superman” were soon announced. Visitors would enter beneath a 200-foot statue of DC’s superhero. The little city of 6,000 on the banks of the Ohio River was destined to become the epicenter of all things Superman," the Governing.com says.

"Costing $120,000 and funded by the sale of commemorative bricks, a new, larger statue was unveiled in June of 1993. Instead of fiberglass, the 15-foot-tall Man of Steel was this time cast in bronze and painted in the familiar shades of red, blue and yellow. He presides over Superman Square, in front of the county courthouse, keeping a watchful eye on Metropolis. A few blocks away, a bronze statue of Daily Planet reporter (and Superman admirer) Lois Lane stands ready with her notebook and pen.

"The Super Museum on Superman Square has been in business since 1993, stuffed with more than 70,000 items amassed by its creator, Jim Hambrick. The collection started with the lunchbox he got on his fifth birthday and grew from there. Family owned and operated, the museum is looked after today by Hambrick, his daughter Morgan and son-in-law Adam Siebert. “I was a Marvel guy,” says Seibert, of his life before marriage. “I grew up with the X-Men. And here I am taking care of the museum, and the godfather of all superheros.”

"While Superman has been a part of the City of Metropolis since 1972, the Superman Statue itself has been standing over Market Street since June 1993," the Metropolis Tourism says.

"15 feet tall and 4000 pounds of bronze muscle, the statue stands on a monument base and walkway of over 1200 personalized red bricks."

"Home to none other than Superman himself, the small town of Metropolis (population 6,400) has fully dedicated itself to anything and everything relating to the Man of Steel. When you arrive in town, head straight to Superman Square where you’ll be greeted by the World’s Largest Superman statue," the Olio in Iowa says.

"Standing at 15 feet tall, the bronze statue was erected in 1993 in honor of the town’s fifteenth annual Superman Celebration.

"On June 9, 1972, the Illinois House of Representatives officially proclaimed the city the hometown of the beloved super hero. While plans for a thousand-acre theme park and 200-foot-tall statue of Superman never materialized, the city’s unique claim to fame makes it worth a visit if you’re passing through."

"Did you know the world’s largest Superman statue is located in Illinois? The small town of Metropolis is a short drive from Paducah, Kentucky and claims to be the comic book hero’s “hometown”. Metropolis welcomes travelers from all over the world each year," the Bill On the Road says.

"It’s hard to miss the 15-foot high statue, complete with a flowing red cape and blue spandex costume. Appropriately, it’s placed just steps away from the local police department headquarters. During the holidays, he wears a giant Santa hat and even wore a large face mask during the height of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic.

"Visitors can stand out front and pose for photos with Superman and see other related statues and props around town. Down the street, you’ll spot Lois Lane and even a green kryptonite rock. Pose for a picture in a phone booth (after explaining to your kids what a phone booth is.) There are a few local restaurants and gift shops to choose from and a large painted mural that extends greetings from Metropolis."

"The museum features over 70,000+ items from the life's work of longtime Superman enthusiast and collector, Jim Hambrick who has amassed one of the greatest collections of Superman memorabilia in the world," the Superman Museum says.

"Among the items showcased in the museum from the iconic superhero's 75+ year history are virtually every Superman toy ever produced as well as movie props and promotional materials from all the Superman movies & TV series (including "Smallville", "Man of Steel", "Supergirl", and "Superman and Lois") and one of the only George Reeves Superman costumes still in existence. The museum is organized around particular eras and portrayals of Superman, spanning television, movies, and comics; and is changed frequently, to encourage repeat visits. 

"The Super Museum has received many honors as well including being awarded "#1 Small Town Attraction In America". It has also been proudly featured on television on the shows The Daily Show, Entertainment Tonight, EXTRA, Treasures in your Home, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, "Kovel's on Collecting", TNN, 'E' Entertainment Television, & Unsolved Mysteries, Collector's Call, Mysteries at a Museum, as well as dozens of documentary and News programs around the world." 

"The Man of Steel stands proudly at 15 feet in the middle of Superman Square where he watches over his hometown. Feel free to take photos with him to remember your time in Metropolis," the Only In Your State says.



"It seems appropriate that the largest collection of Superman memorabilia is located in his hometown, Opened in 1993, this world-famous museum houses over 20,000 items collected by Jim Hambrick, the ultimate Man of Steel fan. Come see Superman toys, movie props, and so much more! And don't forget to pick up some of your own memorabilia at the gift shop."

"In Superman #2 (Fall 1939), Metropolis was actually placed in the U.S. state of New York, making it the earliest specific reference to the location of Metropolis. In that issue, Clark Kent (Superman) sends a telegram to George Taylor, the editor of the Daily Star (the antecedent to the Daily Planet), addressed to "Metropolis, N.Y."

"Over the years, Metropolis' features have greatly changed in the comics; however, Metropolis is always presented as being a global city. It is often referred to as "The Big Apricot" just as New York City is nicknamed "The Big Apple". It is commonly portrayed as having an Art Deco style of architecture, much like New York City. The skyline and many of the notable landmarks in Metropolis are based on real-life landmarks in New York City. Frank Miller has said that "Metropolis is New York in the daytime; Gotham City is New York at night."

"The real town of Metropolis, Illinois, has been proclaimed the "hometown of Superman" by the Illinois State Legislature, and the town celebrates its "local hero". Among the ways it celebrates the character include a large Superman statue in the city, a Superman museum, an annual Superman festival, and its local newspaper The Metropolis Planet, a name inspired by the major newspaper in fictional Metropolis, the Daily Planet. A version of the town has appeared in the comics itself, as a city whose citizens idolize the hero who lives in their 'sister' city."  (Wikipedia)

"Metropolis Illinois shares its name with Superman’s hometown, and that’s about where the similarities end. However that hasn’t stopped tiny Metropolis (pop. 6500) from celebrating its connection to the champion of Truth, Justice, and the American Way," theflyingmantis.com says.

"In the center of town stands a 30 foot Superman statue. The statue has been replaced a few times because it proved an irresistible target for yahoos who wanted to see if the Man of Steel could really stop a speeding bullet. After a couple of statues succumbed to incoming fire, the city commissioned the current one made of bronze, not steel.

"There’s a large Superman gift shop and museum, a smattering of local shops, and lots of empty storefronts. Once a year the town hosts a Superman Celebration which does attract an enthusiastic crowd and a lot of comic book collectors."

"Metropolis is the home town of Superman. Yes, Superman. The alien super hero with a list of infinite superpowers. Now there are a few differences between the real life Metropolis and the fictional version," thecarpetbagger.com says.

"While the fictional version of Metropolis is a bustling, er "metropolis", that resembles New York City, the real life Metropolis is a small town in in Southern Illinois.

"But make no mistake about it. Metropolis IS the hometown of Superman. If you have any doubts just go head into town."

"Those of us who grew up on comic books know the superhero's fictional home was Metropolis. Its deep southern Illinois twin is out to help us relive our youthful fantasies with a giant statue of Superman and a jam-packed museum dedicated to him," the Illinois Times says.

"Some creative locals decided to embrace the fun and got National Periodicals Publications, the forerunner of D.C. Comics, to declare in 1972 that Metropolis, Illinois, would be Superman's official home, Steckenrider says. "We have a contract still in effect today that allows Metropolis to use the tagline 'Home of Superman' for economic and tourism purposes."

"The connection pays off for the town as thousands stop for a photo in front of the iconic statue, built in 1993 next to the Massac County Courthouse. Containing 4,000 pounds of bronze, the statue rises 15 feet."