The famous Madame Tussauds museum in London is the equivalent of the Grévin museum in Paris where many wax figures are exhibited. Organized by themes (history, sport, music, cinema), we can approach members of the royal family and political leaders, Hollywood stars and characters from cult films or even legendary sportsmen.
Here are the highlights of this tour, not all attractions and wax statues are obviously referenced. The opportunity to make you discover this attraction without revealing everything 😉
History of Mme Tussauds museum
Madame Tussauds is a wax museum founded in 1835 in London by the French artist Marie Grosholtz better known by her wife name Marie Tussaud. Born in Strasbourg in 1761, she learned the art of wax modeling from the Swiss doctor Philippe Curtius, with whom she lived with her mother. Gifted for this art, the royal family hired him as governess of the sister of King Louis XVI and produced wax representations of the elite.
In 1787, Marie was imprisoned in Laforce prison in Paris and condemned to the guillotine. She is freed by pledging allegiance to the new regime by modeling the masks of the victims of the Terror that she was forced to design.
In 1795, Marie married François Tussaud then moved to Great Britain to present her wax collection during a tour of the country. For 36 years, she traveled across Great Britain before opening a museum in Baker Street in 1835 to present her entire collection.
After Marie Tussaud's death in 1850, the museum continued its activity and moved in 1884 to Marylebone Road which is still there today.
Today, 23 Madame Tussauds museums exist in the world, which welcomes 10 million visitors each year:
- and Europe in Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Blackpool.
- to the United States à New York, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Orlando, Los Angeles et Hollywood.
- and Asia in Delhi, Hong Kong, Beijing, Wuhan, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok, Sentosa and Shanghai.
- and Australia in Sydney.
- and other projects underway in other big cities!
What can you see at the Madame Tussauds museum in London?
The 300 wax figures are distributed in different rooms on several floors and classified by theme (cinema and music, sport, history, etc.) and change over the months according to current events and fashions. Therefore, if you have visited the wax museum a few years ago, you will undoubtedly notice new characters and new attractions.
In addition to the wax statues exhibit, the museum also offers interactive attractions including a 4D cinema.
Historical and political figures
Madame Tussauds Museum presents 400 years of London's history through historical figures such as King Henry VIII and Queen Victoria.
Henry VIII King of England in the Tudor dynasty is passed down to posterity as the bloody king with six wives, some of whom were imprisoned at the Tower of London. Among the monuments linked to Henry VIII and open to the public, the magnificent hampton court palace which was his favorite residence.
La Queen Victoria, born in kensington palace in 1819, she reigned from 1837 to 1901 and made Buckingham her palace of which she becomes the first occupant. His reign is the second longest in the world after that of his great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth II.
Winston Churchill represented here in his headquarters - Churchill War Rooms- located in a bunker in the iconic Westminster district. If you are passionate about history, know that it is possible to visit this bunker where more than 500 people lived day and night and participated in the war effort.
Le président américain <br><br>Donald Trump and the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in front of the entrance to the Prime Minister's official residence and workplace at 10 Downing Street.
It's a safe bet that other characters will take over in a few months ...
The big names in music
On the left, the rock legend: Jimi Hendrix ! Do you know that he lived 4 years in London and that it is possible to visit his apartment located in upscale Mayfair!
On the right, the human-scale sculpture ofE joined the museum in 2015. More than 250 takes were necessary to make the wax statue and perfect the illusion. The artist donated several of his clothes and one of his guitars!
Madame Tussauds has always paid tribute to Michael Jackson through numerous statues representing him. This one installed since 2009 is the 13th modeled on a pose of the king of pop, taken from the poster of the concert “This is it” planned in 2009 at Wembley stadium but which never took place.
If you want to immerse yourself in Michael Jackson's hits, don't miss the awesome musical Thriller Live !
Movie stars
On the occasion of the release of Skyfall in 2012, Daniel Craig et Judi Dench enter the museum, dressed in their original clothes in the film. Daniel Craig wears a Tom Ford suit and Judi Dench wears an Armani outfit.
If the universe of Agent 007 fascinates you, visit the exhibition " Bond in Motion »Where is presented the most important collection of original vehicles used in the James Bond films, of the Rolls Royce Phantom III of Goldfinger to the scale model of the helicopter AgustaWestland in Skyfall, passing by the famous Aston Martin DB5.
The interactive attractions of Madame Tussauds museum
Besides the wax statues, Madame Tussaud's Museum in London offers various interactive activities, such as The Spirit of London, a dismal walk through the heart of English history, a Marvel 4D cinematic experience and the Star Wars experience.
Spirit of love
This attraction takes us on a ride in a London taxi to discover the history of London from the reign of Elizabeth I, passing dark events like the plague and the great fire of London or the monumental reconstruction of the Column of Nelson. A unique and fun attraction to discover 400 years of London's history.
Star Wars Experience
In 2015, Madame Tussauds opened a new space dedicated to film in collaboration with Disney and Lucasfilm. A total of eleven scenes from the first six films were recreated identically, including the Dagobah Marshes, Jabba's Throne Room and the Millennium Falcon flight deck.
Eighteen of the greatest heroes and villains of the Star Wars universe are there as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Luke Skywalker without forgetting the Princess Leia. Fans will be able to wield a lightsaber with young Anakin Skywalker and strike a pose in the throne room with Princess Leia.
Cinema 4D
The 4D Cinema is an immersive attraction that brings superheroes straight out of the Marvel Universe to life using special sensory effects like wind, water and scent. The super heroes, Spiderman, Hulk, Captain America fight against bad guys to protect Buckingham Palace.
How long does it take to visit the Madame Tussauds museum?
Considering the many activities, the visit time is at least 2 hours.
Madame Tussauds, a museum to visit?
To be honest, I was a little dubious about visiting Madame Tussauds but given its success and many positive reviews on the facebook group Good deals London, I wanted to make my own opinion. I got caught up in the game and I really had a great time without having seen the time passed because the activities are so varied and fun. Everyone will find an interest in it through the different universes (history, royalty, stars…) and the surprising and innovative attractions.
You can mingle with the statues and be photographed with the royal family, movie, song or sports stars. The museum evolves over time, current events and fashions, so if you have already visited Madame Tussauds a few years ago it is a safe bet that you will find it different!
Visiting the museum is undoubtedly an activity to be shared with the family and can be a good visit to do when it's raining in London 😉
What is the entrance fee to the Madame Tussauds museum?
Like many attractions in London, admission is somewhat on the expensive side; count around 32 € entry for an adult. In view of the crowds, it is strongly recommended to book online in order to save time and benefit from the best price on the other hand.
For a payment in euros, the best rates observed are on the websites of CEETIZ et GetYourGuide. Do not hesitate to compare their offers to find the best price.
Once your reservation is made, print your voucher and go directly to door 2 of the museum.
Tips for visiting Madame Tussauds
If you plan to make other visits, opt for a tourist pass which will allow you to save money; Among those who offer a visit to Madame Tussauds, there is the London Explorer Pass,Iventure London Attractions Pass, London City Pass or the Merlin Magical Pass.
Make your choice, according to your program and your interests. If, for example, you want to combine historical and fun sightseeing, the London City Pass is a good compromise.
If you do not want to do more than 3 paid visits, you can opt for a combined ticket, Madame Tussauds + one or two other activities. This alternative is economically more advantageous than if you buy an individual ticket each time.
Among the offers offered, you can choose between:
Madame Tussauds + London Eye + Tower of London
Madame Tussauds + London Eye + Aquarium Sea Life
Madame Tussauds + London Eye + Tower Bridge
Madame Tussauds + London Eye
Madame Tussauds + Tourist bus
Madame Tussauds + Cruise on the Thames
Finally, the museum is free for children under 3 years old.
Useful information
- Preferably visit the museum in the morning and arrive 30 minutes before the museum opens to avoid high crowds
- Free Wifi
- Toilets
- Bar and tearoom
- For people with reduced mobility, wheelchairs are available on request, but their number is limited. It is advisable to contact 0871 894 3000 to reserve a time slot.
What are the Madame Tussauds museum opening hours?
As an indication, the Madame Tussauds museum is open:
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 00 p.m.
on weekends from 9 a.m. to 00 p.m.
During the English school holidays, the opening hours are extended from 8:30 am to 18:00 pm.
December 24: 09:00 a.m. - 14:30 p.m.
December 26: 10:00 am - 18:00 pm
January 1st: 10:00 am - 18:00 pm
Where is Madame Tussauds museum located?
Address : Marylebone Road, Marylebone, London NW1 5LR
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