Eerily lifelike, detailed to the finest degree, works of art as well as curiosity, the life-sized figures made by Madame Tussaud and her successors have been drawing crowds for well over 200 years.
The life of Marie Tussaud is as dramatic as any of the personalities she modeled. In a time before television or photography, the figures she learned to craft as a young girl in Paris were the only way most people had of discovering what their kings, queens and cultural celebrities looked like.
Tussaud’s craft gave her access to the glittering, wealthy world of Marie Antoinette, and when the Revolution began her aristocratic connections landed her in prison. To save her own life, she agreed to make death masks of the recently guillotined, some of whom had been personal friends. Eventually, she fled to London, which became her home and the site of her first wax museum.
Though times and celebrities have changed, the tradition of meticulous craftsmanship has continued, making Madame Tussauds one of the world’s most popular museums.
The 400-plus figures embrace the famous and infamous from all walks of life. Figures from history and culture include some of Madame Tussaud’s own work, as well famous artists, writers, artists, inventors, world leaders, and the current royal family.
One of Madame Tussauds, London museum’s most popular sections is devoted to stars of stage and screen, from classic legends like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn to contemporary favorites like Kate Winslet, Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Julia Roberts. There’s also a tribute to the planet’s other great Tinseltown, Bollywood.
The Sports Zone features world class athletes from Muhammad Ali to David Beckham, while the Music Megazone offers front row center views of Michael Jackson, Abba, Elvis, the Beatles and countless others. Access to most figures is unrestricted and visitors are free to have their pictures taken with Winston Churchill, Jennifer Lopez, or whoever else takes their fancy.
Other attractions at Madame Tussauds include the Spirit of London, a ride through London’s dynamic history. The Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie is popular with young children while those over 12 enjoy Scream, a prison experience with some very scary-looking inmates.
Though branches of Madame Tussauds now exist in cities around the world, London is the site of the original and not to be missed. On Marylebone Road near Regent's Park and a mere two minute walk from the Baker Street tube station, this museum has something for everyone.
